CCSA Member from BC to Receive $12.4 Million to Extend Broadband Internet Services

Quispamsis (NB), January 18, 2018 - The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) congratulates CCSA member CityWest Cable and Telephone of Prince Rupert, BC on being named as a recipient of government funding to help extend broadband internet services in British Columbia.

Yesterday, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia announced they have jointly committed $45 million to help provide 154 BC communities, 44 of which are First Nations communities, with access to high-speed internet. Of that, CityWest will receive $9.3 million from the federal government and $3.1 million from the Government of British Columbia to improve high-speed Internet service for 23 communities and 97 institutions.

“We are delighted to hear about this new funding commitment from the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia as part of their respective Connect to Innovate and Connecting British Colombia programs,” said Jay Thomson, CEO of the CCSA. “CCSA is committed to ensuring that high speed internet and broadband connectivity is considered an essential service across Canada, and we are particularly proud of the fact that one of our members, CityWest Cable and Telephone, was selected as one of the organizations to receive funding for this important project. Smaller, locally-based companies are ideally positioned to help implement broadband funding programs. They have the expertise and they are already in these communities. They have the existing networks and understand the local conditions, challenges and needs, and they know how to stretch a dollar to achieve the most benefits for their customers.”

“Broadband connectivity is now a necessity. All Canadians, regardless of where they live, need to have access to this critical connection,” said Thomson. “We look forward to continue working with the Government to reach all communities across Canada to ensure that all Canadians can participate in the digital economy.”

 

ABOUT THE CCSA
The Canadian Cable 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.

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CONTACT

Cheryl Mangusso
Manager, Communications
CCSA
Phone: (506) 849-1334 ext. 217
Email: cmangusso@ccsa.cable.ca
Website: www.ccsa.cable.ca