CCSA Welcomes Ontario Government’s New Broadband and Cellular Action Plan
QUISPAMSIS (NB), July 24, 2019 - The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the Province of Ontario that it will invest in innovative solutions to ensure people and businesses have access to the high-speed internet and cellular services that they need.
“We are pleased the Ontario Government has announced its plan to help expand broadband and cellular access to rural, remote and northern Ontario communities and welcome its commitment to invest $315 million over five years to focus on expanded access for unserved and underserved communities,” said Jay Thomson, CEO of the CCSA. “We agree that there is a need to identify and remove regulatory red tape to encourage private sector and community-led investment and to align broadband expansion programs across all levels of government. We are particularly pleased that the Ontario Government recognizes that its high hydro pole attachment rates create a financial barrier to broadband expansion in the province and that it is therefore committing to review those rates to optimize connectivity and private sector investment. This is a matter we, and others, have asked the Ontario Government to address on many occasions.”
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
Cheryl MangussoManager, Communications CCSA Phone: (506) 849-1334 ext. 217Email: cmangusso@ccsaonline.ca