MNL members discuss broadband connectivity with MP

February 11, 2020 – For Immediate Release

St. John’s, NL – MNL members met yesterday with Gudie Hutchings, MP for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, to discuss broadband needs in rural areas of the province.

A digital divide in the province remains. Some communities still have very little access to reliable, fast internet service.

“In some of our smaller areas, residents are paying high-speed prices for slow-speed services. We need access to broadband across the province at a cost that is reasonable and equitable,” said MNL President Sheila Fitzgerald.

The Government of Canada is working on the design of its new Universal Broadband Fund under Canada’s Connectivity Strategy. Hutchings is consulting with Atlantic Canadians on their connectivity priorities, including what projects they feel need funding and how to support communities with their application process.

MNL members present at the meeting also emphasized that cell coverage, especially on highways, is as important as broadband. In 2018, the Town of Mary’s Harbour put forward a resolution at the MNL annual general meeting to support cell service infrastructure on the Trans-Labrador Highway.

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More information:
To check your download speed, provide feedback on Internet access in your area or to submit feedback on project proposal needs, visit Canada.ca/get-connected.

Contact
Deatra Walsh – Director of Advocacy and Communications
Cell: 709-986-2771
email: dwalsh@municipalnl.ca

Gail Woodfine – Communications and Public Relations Coordinator
Cell: 709-725-1440
email: gwoodfine@municipalnl.ca