(VOCM News)
Nearly 280 communities are getting new high-speed internet, with the first launch of service off Roaches Line this week.
It’s part of a $96-million infusion from both the federal and provincial governments.
(VOCM News)
Service was announced this week through Xplore, which says without government assistance, the project would cost thousands per kilometre, and described it as cost and labour-intensive.
CEO of Xplore, Brent Johnston, says Newfoundland’s geography also makes it hard to expand service in a cost-effective way.
Xplore CEO Brent Johnston (VOCM News)
“If you’re on the prairies, for example, you’ve got dirt in the ground and long straight stretches and it’s a little more cost effective. We’re able to provide services more easily,” he told reporters.
“Many of the polls in the background here actually aren’t into the earth, they’re in cribs with rocks in them. So not being able to dig easily given the terrain here in Newfoundland puts an incremental expense and effort into the build.”