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Nova Scotia subsidizing satellite Internet installation for remote businesses, residents
August 18, 2022
By
Talent Canada
(Blue Planet Studio/Adobe Stock) Businesses and workers in rural parts of Nova Scotia can get subsidized access to satellite Internet under a new rebate program from the province.
The program, which opened Aug. 11, is accepting applications from residents and business owners who are not expected to gain access to wired or wireless internet until after Dec. 31, 2023. The program expansion is expected to help about 2,200 homes and businesses, in addition to the estimated 3,700 originally announced.
“Our government committed to extending internet access to every household in Nova Scotia and closing the connection gaps,” said Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek. “This expansion is about levelling the playing field so that Nova Scotians who are the furthest out from gaining access to internet can get connected more quickly.”
The program covers the one-time costs of installing satellite internet for eligible homes or businesses, up to a maximum of $1,000. Previously, the rebate only applied to homes or businesses where there was no other planned internet service solution. The expansion will include areas of Pictou County that were not expected to gain access to high-speed internet until at least 2024.
Nova Scotians interested in the rebate should confirm they are eligible before purchasing satellite equipment. They can do so by visiting https://internet.developns.ca/satellite and entering their home or business address.
Once people confirm eligibility and purchase the satellite service and equipment, they can submit applications electronically or by mail.
Qualified satellite service providers for the program must meet or exceed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Committee minimum speed targets of 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload. Currently, only Starlink has indicated it can meet or exceed these speeds, but if other satellite providers can meet these speeds, they may also be included in the program, the province said.
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