Approximately 156 of Canada’s First Nations communities are getting set to receive a cash infusion as a first step towards bringing high-speed Internet to their areas.
Industry Minister Allan Rock announced that the communities will each receive up to $30,000 to develop business plans to outline how to bring broadband to their locations.
The funds for this initiative came from the $105 million allocated for the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program, announced by Rock and Secretary of State Andy Mitchell in September 2002. The goal of this project is to bring broadband service to all Canadian communities by 2005.
“The Government of Canada is committed to building sustainable communities, which in turn contribute significantly to Canada’s growth and success,” Mitchell said. “Canadians, no matter where they live, deserve equal access to the latest technologies.”
The 156 communities were selected from a list of about 222, based on recommendations from a national selection committee.