At first glance, the Canadian Government’s investment in broadband might seem like an unnecessary expense. Critics argue that funds could be better allocated, especially when other pressing issues demand attention and resources. They see the push for high-speed internet in every household as a secondary concern, a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. However, this perspective overlooks the transformative power of connectivity. Broadband is not a frivolous expense; it’s an essential investment in our collective future. It’s a catalyst for equality and an engine propelling economic growth. By connecting every corner of Canada, we’re not just improving internet speeds, but enhancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across the board.
Envision a Canada where high-speed internet weaves through every part of the country, from urban hubs to rural communities. Yet many of these communities are still left in the shadows of the digital age, cut off from the world’s vast knowledge and opportunities. At PomeGran, our mission is to shine a light on these areas and bridge the digital divide that separates us.
The Digital Divide: A Chasm in Connectivity
The term ‘digital divide’ paints a picture of an invisible barrier that separates the tech-savvy from the tech-starved. This barrier is a stark reality in Canada, with a mere 45.6% of rural households enjoying download speeds of 50 Mbps or higher in 2020, a stark contrast to the 87.4% in urban locales. This divide is more than just numbers; it’s a rift affecting education, healthcare, and the very fabric of rural life, especially during the pandemic when the world turned virtual.
Education and Economic Empowerment
High-speed internet connects students in remote areas to crucial educational content, ensuring they stand shoulder to shoulder with their city peers. It’s also the gateway for rural entrepreneurs to venture into global markets and for small businesses to flourish beyond local boundaries. Broadband plays a key role in attracting new ventures and revitalizing local economies.
Healthcare: A Click Away
The advent of telehealth has transformed medical care, bringing expert consultations and chronic care management to the doorstep of those in the farthest reaches. A robust broadband network is the lifeline for rural health, easing the burden on healthcare systems and ushering in a new era of well-being.
PomeGran’s partnership with Telus Health allows us to offer virtual, real-time healthcare services in regions where medical teams and facilities may be scarce. This partnership exemplifies how connectivity can bridge the gap in healthcare access, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective medical care.
Social Fabric: Woven Together Online
The internet is the thread that connects us, enabling social inclusion and community engagement. It’s a lifeline for older adults and a platform for civic participation. It’s where public services meet public voices, where community spirit finds its digital expression.
PomeGran’s Pledge: Connectivity for All
At PomeGran, we’re not just talking; we’re doing. Our pioneering projects in Northern Ontario and Quebec aim to deliver lightning-fast speeds to communities left in the dial-up dust.
In Northern Ontario, PomeGran has been awarded a $172 million FTTH (Fibre to the Home) project to provide gigabit broadband connectivity to rural and Indigenous communities. This project is a significant step toward ensuring that these underserved areas gain access to high-speed internet, facilitating better education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Additionally, in Quebec, Digicom, a subsidiary of PomeGran, has been awarded a grant from the Quebec government to provide FTTH to 2,056 homes. This initiative will help to bridge the digital divide in these regions, enhancing the quality of life for residents by enabling reliable and fast internet access. We’re committed to ensuring every Canadian can thrive in a connected world.
Join the Movement
By investing in rural broadband, we’re investing in a shared future where no one is left offline in the digital revolution. At PomeGran, we’re leading the charge and driving innovation and connectivity to empower rural Canada.
We invite you to amplify this message. Share this post, spark conversations, and collectively brainstorm how to champion rural broadband initiatives further. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure every community flourishes in the digital era.
References
CRTC. (2020). Communications Monitoring Report 2020. Retrieved from CRTC website.
