Ottawa spending $27M to bring internet to 1,500 houses in remote Newfoundland

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The federal government is spending $27 million to bring high-speed internet to around 1,500 households in 70 rural and remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Federal cabinet minister Seamus O’Regan says spreading internet access to remote communities has been a priority of the Liberal government because it allows people to thrive no matter where they are.

The Newfoundland MP was joined in St. John’s by Premier Dwight Ball Tuesday for the announcement, which will also see $1.57 million come from the province and $11.52 million from other contributors.

Most of the federal funding comes from Connect to Innovate, a program which aims to provide speeds of five megabits per second or more to underserved communities.