Government Announces $4.46 Million in Funding to Bring Faster Internet to Pictou County

Through its $1.75-billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), the Government of Canada has today announced $4.46 million in funding for the Municipality of Pictou County to bring high-speed internet to rural residents of the community. 

With a contribution from the municipality of Pictou County of $3.32 million, this project will connect many underserved households to high-speed Internet in Pictou County, and will also create the opportunity for improved cellular coverage in the area.

The project aims to provide the residents with access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.

“Today’s investment will bring reliable, high-speed Internet access to many households in Pictou County, and may also improve the quality of cell coverage throughout rural communities in our region,” said Sean Fraser, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister.

“This fund is significant in many ways, and I thank Minister Monsef for making it available. Not only is it very helpful in serving our rural residents but it also marks a high level of confidence by the federal government in the broadband plans our Council has approved for the County. It is also important as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” – Robert Parker, Warden for the Municipality of Pictou County

Projects funded under the UBF, as well as through other public and private investments, will help connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026.