Canada’s Independent Internet, Television and Telephone Providers Welcome Commitment to Universal High-Speed Internet in Liberal Platform
QUISPAMSIS (NB), September 30th, 2019 – The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) welcomes the Liberal Party of Canada’s platform commitment to ensure that every Canadian has access to high-speed internet by 2030.
“Canada’s independent internet, television and telephone providers have advocated for years for parties to commit to increasing broadband services for rural and remote communities,” stated Jay Thomson, CEO of the CCSA. “We welcome this commitment and urge the next government to partner with smaller, locally-based companies to help connect Canadians who otherwise might not have access to these essential communications services.”
“Local providers have the expertise and existing networks to build broadband services in rural and remote communities so that maximum return on investment is achieved,” continued Thomson. “Also, because they are “on the ground” in their communities, local providers best understand their communities’ needs and are highly motivated to provide the connectivity their communities need to survive and thrive.”
The federal government, earlier this year, set a national target to ensure that 95 percent of Canadian homes and businesses will have high-speed internet by 2026, and 100 percent will have it by 2030.
“In order for any political party and government to achieve the national targets set this year, many more dollars are needed in investments. Studies have shown that at least $6.5 billion is needed to support rural broadband and we are calling on all political parties to commit to spending at least this amount in order for all Canadians to access adequate broadband services,” concluded Thomson.
ABOUT THE CCSA
The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) represents more than 110 Independent companies providing internet, TV & telephone services across Canada. Those companies serve hundreds of thousands of customers in communities generally outside urban markets, from coast to coast to coast. They include community cooperatives, family businesses, municipalities and companies owned by Indigenous Peoples. They connect hundreds of thousands of Canadians who otherwise might not have access to these critical communications services. For more information, visit http://ccsaonline.ca.
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CONTACT
Sarah MillerManager, Government RelationsCCSAPhone: (506) 849-1334 ext. 205Email: smiller@ccsaonline.ca