The federal government has announced $ 269,000 in funding for Blue Sky Net to bring high-speed internet to the Wahnapitae First Nation community.
The project will connect 74 underserved homes in the community, which is located northeast of Sudbury, Ontario.
This project is made possible through the rapid response flow of the government’s Universal Broadband Fund. The $ 1.75 billion fund was launched on November 9 and has made up to $ 150 million available immediately for out-of-the-box projects through fast-track.
“High-speed Internet service is key to the success of residents in rural Ontario. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted to all of us how important it is to be able to access high-speed internet, ”said Rural Economic Development Minister Maryam Monsef in a press release.
“It will help create jobs, improve health and safety, and ensure a stronger economic recovery for people in rural Ontario. It is one of many projects our government is undertaking to ensure that all Canadians have access to the high-speed Internet they need. “
The government has indicated that it plans to connect 98 percent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026 and 100 percent by 2030.
Applications for the universal broadband fund will be accepted until February 25, 2021. It is worth noting that the government provides a service to help applicants create partnerships and navigate the application process. This is to ensure that the fund can support smaller applicants, such as indigenous groups.
Image Credit: @MaryamMonsefMP
Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
