The Government of Canada has a program where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can participate and offer low-cost, high-speed Internet to low-income families.
The Connecting Families initiative recently saw Telus and Rogers participate in the national program.
Telus says it has expanded their Internet for Good program to more families through the Connecting Families initiate with the federal government. The Telus Internet for Good program currently provides Internet 25 and 300 GB data for $9.95 per month, to low-income and single-parent families in BC and Alberta.
Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, told iPhone in Canada in a statement, “The Internet is a vital service that is often taken for granted as accessible for all, and through programs like TELUS’ Internet for Good we are leading the way in connecting at-risk Canadians to the tools they need to be successful. The TELUS team is incredibly proud to stand alongside the Government of Canada, our industry colleagues, and not-for-profit partners to create Connecting Families.”
Rogers today also announced they are participating in the Connecting Families program with the federal government. The company says eligible families can get 10 Mbps download speed, 100GB of data, free install plus model rental for $9.99 per month, with no contract or credit check required.
“The internet opens up a world of possibilities that all Canadians should be able to access – it’s critical to our country’s success in today’s digital economy. We’re proud to be participating in this new initiative to expand internet access to families who may struggle to afford it as part of our commitment to bridge the digital divide,” said Peter King, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Rogers Communications, in a statement to iPhone in Canada.
Rogers notes their participating in the government program builds on their own Connected for Success initiative, which since 2013, has offered low-cost, high-speed Internet to 280 eligible housing partners in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
According to the Government of Canada, “The Connecting Families initiative is investing $13.2 million over five years, starting in 2017-2018 to help bridge the digital divide for Canadian families who may struggle to afford access to home Internet.”
