Investing in Local Students and the Future of Canada’s Digital Landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (April 30, 2025) – PomeGran Inc. (PomeGran), Canada’s fastest-growing fibre-centric rural broadband provider, has renewed its scholarship program with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) for the 2024–25 academic year. Two scholarships, each valued at $2,500, have been awarded to students pursuing studies in STEM-related programs such as Computer Systems and Networking or Video Game Art & Design.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Ruth Umukoro and Bethany Lambert, two emerging leaders in STEM who are currently enrolled in CNA technology programs. Their achievements embody PomeGran’s mission to empower underrepresented voices in science and technology, especially women and others who have traditionally faced barriers to entering STEM fields. These scholarships aim to help close the gender and diversity gap in the tech industry while building a more inclusive digital economy.

Continued Investment in Education and STEM Access

This marks the second consecutive year that PomeGran has invested in educational opportunities at CNA, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to building technology and STEM talent in Newfoundland and Labrador, where PomeGran’s subsidiary, IceNet Wireless, operates. These scholarships reflect the company’s broader ESG strategy, with a focus on long-term community impact through workforce development.

As part of its dedication to equity and inclusion in STEM, PomeGran actively encourages scholarship applications from women, Indigenous learners, and other underrepresented groups in science and technology. This initiative plays a key role in bridging the digital divide by nurturing a homegrown, skilled workforce prepared to thrive in Canada’s innovation economy.

Supporting Communities Through Education

“At PomeGran, we believe in the transformative power of education, especially in STEM fields that will shape our digital future,” said Dr. Kalai S. Kalaichelvan, Chairman & CEO of PomeGran. “By supporting students at the College of the North Atlantic, we’re investing in tomorrow’s technology leaders while strengthening the communities where we operate. These scholarships reflect our commitment to fostering local talent and helping build the skilled workforce needed for Canada’s digital economy.”

This initiative continues PomeGran’s tradition of supporting education in communities where it operates, including the scholarship program with Northern College announced last year.

About PomeGran Inc.

PomeGran Inc. is Canada’s fastest growing fibre-centric broadband infrastructure provider. Dedicated to enhancing broadband services, PomeGran has emerged as a leader on a mission to empower underserved markets in Quebec and Ontario. PomeGran is investing in rural Quebec and Northern Ontario as part of their strategic plan. Boasting ownership of broadband networks, underground and aerial fibre assets, and fixed wireless access (FWA) assets, PomeGran is committed to bridging the digital divide that exists between urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. Founded on the fundamental principle of ensuring equitable access to high-speed Internet, PomeGran believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in today’s digital-first economy. Please visit www.pomegran.com.

About IceNet

IceNet Wireless is a broadband provider serving communities across Newfoundland and Labrador with high-speed internet and digital phone services. As part of the PomeGran Group, IceNet is committed to delivering reliable connectivity to rural and underserved areas, helping bridge the digital divide and support community development through better access to technology. Please visit www.icenetwireless.com.

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