The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced the final project in the current round of projects to expand wireless coverage in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Davis was joined by the Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and MHA for Baie Verte – Green Bay, as well as representatives from the town of Middle Arm for the announcement.
Through a cost-shared agreement with Bell Canada and the town of Middle Arm, the Provincial Government is contributing over $136,000 to provide cellular service in the town, which currently does not have access to wireless services. This non-repayable contribution represents 25 per cent of total funding for the project, which is estimated to cost approximately $544,000. Bell will contribute $272,000, with the town funding the remaining portion.
This funding enables the deployment of Bell’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) broadband wireless technology in the community, benefitting residents, businesses and tourism from an economic development and public safety perspective.
Announced as part of Budget 2018 and through the Regional Development Fund, the Provincial Government issued a call for proposals for a cost-shared cellular service pilot program, contributing up to a maximum of 25 per cent of project costs towards cellular coverage infrastructure upgrades. The remaining 75 per cent will be provided by the service provider, municipalities, private ventures, co-operatives, social enterprises and/or regional government partnerships.
Support for innovation and technology delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Internet and cell service is essential for local economies to be competitive globally, and this announcement will play a role in enhancing Middle Arm’s economic development, while contributing to overall safety of the community.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“I commend the people of Middle Arm for their hard work and determination to bring cellular service to their community. It was a privilege to work alongside area residents to help make this happen. I look forward to the work of this partnership and the increased quality of life it will bring to everyone in the area.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and MHA for Baie Verte-Green Bay
“Council thanks TCII for their commitment to this project, as we envision Middle Arm as a good tourism destination, with a planned marina, improved municipal park and an under construction hotel / restaurant. We see cell as a positive announcement for our community.”
Neville Robinson
Mayor, Town of Middle Arm
“Bell is pleased to partner with the Provincial Government and the Town of Middle Arm for this important investment in advanced wireless networks that will provide economic benefits and enable new opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Glen LeBlanc
Vice Chair, Atlantic, Bell Canada
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Learn more
Cellular Service Pilot Initiative Call for Proposals
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Jeremy Reynolds
Government Member’s Office
709-729-3394
JeremyReynolds@gov.nl.ca
Neville Robinson
Town of Middle Arm
709-532-6002
Isabelle Boulet
Bell Canada
506-457-5554, 506-478-7823
Isabelle.Boulet@bellaliant.ca