CCSA Hopeful New Universal Broadband Fund Will Accelerate Rural Connectivity
QUISPAMSIS (NB), November 9, 2020 - Today, the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) welcomed the launch of the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).
“We would like to thank the government for its continued focus on rural broadband expansion to connect every Canadian to high-speed internet,” said Jay Thomson, CEO of the CCSA. “While we will need to review the details of the UBF, including the process for accessing the new Rapid Response Stream, we are hopeful the new fund will make a big difference in ensuring that more Canadians get connected and can participate in the digital economy.”
CCSA, which represents independent communications providers generally serving rural communities, met with government officials shortly after the UBF was announced in the 2019 budget to offer its input regarding how the new program could improve upon previous funding initiatives.
“We are particularly interested in learning how the new fund will support smaller, locally-based providers which best know the needs of their rural communities as they are based in those communities and are already working in the field,” concluded Thomson.
ABOUT THE CCSA
The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) represents more than 110 Independent companies providing internet, TV & telephone services to hundreds of thousands of Canadians in communities generally outside urban markets, from coast to coast to coast. CCSA Members include community cooperatives, family businesses, municipalities and companies owned by Indigenous Peoples. For more information, visit http://ccsaonline.ca.
CONTACT
Cheryl MangussoManager, Communications CCSA (506) 849-1334 ext. 217cmangusso@ccsaonline.ca