{"id":6833,"date":"2023-03-05T11:43:28","date_gmt":"2023-03-05T11:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comwave.net\/residential\/?p=6833"},"modified":"2024-02-16T10:04:51","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T10:04:51","slug":"the-plan-for-improved-high-speed-internet-access-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comwave.net\/residential\/blog\/the-plan-for-improved-high-speed-internet-access-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"The Plan for Improved High-Speed Internet Access in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s no secret that everyone needs internet access, especially at home. After all, it\u2019s what makes working from home, streaming, staying in touch on social media, learning, gaming, and more, possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, the internet has become so integral to everyday life that the United Nations declared <\/span>internet access a human right<\/span><\/a> in 2016. And while Canada\u2019s biggest cities mostly have access to reliable, high-speed internet, it\u2019s not true for everyone\u2014particularly low-income families and seniors\u2014nor across the country outside urban areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

In light of this, the Canadian government has committed to making high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for everyone. Through the Connecting Families initiative, more people, particularly disadvantaged populations, can get fast and cheap home internet, without paying notoriously expensive prices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you need fast and cheap internet? Learn more about the Connecting Families initiative, and how you can get the best deal for <\/span>home internet<\/span><\/a> with a trusted provider like Comwave.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the Connecting Families initiative?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In August 2021, Canada\u2019s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development unveiled a plan for implementing the UN\u2019s declaration on the right to internet access. Connecting Families is an initiative designed to help hundreds of thousands of low-income families and seniors access affordable, high-speed home internet by 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

Historic Strides in the Digital Age: The Importance of the Connecting Families Initiative<\/span><\/h2>\n

By rolling out the Connecting Families initiative, the Government of Canada shines a spotlight on current internet inequity across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With monthly internet bills skyrocketing to upwards of $100, the government recognizes that most high-speed home internet services are far from affordable and accessible. And while there have been increased calls to legislate internet access as a public utility, Connecting Families takes the first step by making home internet cheaper and more accessible to those who need it most.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Connecting Families initiative also builds on lessons coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more job, learning, and training opportunities shift online, disadvantaged groups, particularly low-income families and seniors have been at the highest risk of missing out. Increasing access to fast and cheap home internet makes it possible for them to participate in online and digital ways of working, living, and connecting with their community.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does the Connecting Families initiative work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Connecting Families initiative has officially launched, with access codes mailed to eligible households. Since its announcement in 2021, the initiative has now expanded to its second phase.<\/span><\/p>\n

The initiative is a voluntary partnership between the Government of Canada and 14 internet service providers to make fast and cheap home internet accessible to low-income families and seniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it works:<\/span><\/p>\n