Canada and Quebec Invest in High-Speed Internet for La Mitis RCM

Strategic Insights -

The Canadian Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has announced a $1.67-million joint investment with the Government of Quebec to provide high-speed Internet services to 310 households in the La Mitis RCM by September 2022. TELUS will implement the project and receive $874,785 in government funding. This investment is part of the Canada-Quebec Operation High Speed initiative, aimed at accelerating the deployment of reliable high-performance infrastructure in various municipalities. The project is crucial for the socio-economic development of the region, providing access to telemedicine, distance learning, entertainment, online shopping, and telework.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint investment will connect 310 households in the La Mitis RCM to high-speed Internet services by September 2022.
  • TELUS will receive $874,785 in government funding to implement the project.
  • The project is part of the Canada-Quebec Operation High Speed initiative, which aims to accelerate the deployment of reliable high-performance infrastructure in the regions.
  • The investment will promote access to telemedicine, distance learning, entertainment, online shopping, and telework.
  • The Government of Canada has allocated billions of dollars to Internet infrastructure in rural and remote regions, including $2.75 billion as part of the Universal Broadband Fund.
  • The project is crucial for the socio-economic development of the region and will support the vitality of local communities.

Statistics:

  • 310 households will be connected to high-speed Internet services by September 2022.
  • $874,785 in government funding will be allocated to TELUS to implement the project.
  • 148,000 households will be connected thanks to Canada-Quebec Operation High Speed, in addition to the 66,000 households already covered by other Government of Canada and Government of Quebec programs.
  • $2.75 billion has been allocated to Internet infrastructure in rural and remote regions as part of the Universal Broadband Fund.
  • 93% of businesses and families in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region already have access to TELUS's PureFibre network.
  • TELUS has over 1,400 team members in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region working to deploy their networks and participate in the region's economic recovery.

Sources:

  • Canadian Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
  • Government of Quebec
  • TELUS
  • May 18, 2021 news release, "Canada and Quebec Invest in High-Speed Internet for La Mitis RCM"