Provincial Announces Rural Internet Funding for MOPC Project

The Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust will invest $10.6 million in the Municipality of Pictou County’s independent project to bring high-speed internet to more than 4,700 homes and businesses.

“The Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust shares our commitment to provide Nova Scotians with high-speed internet access,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of Public Works Minister Kim Masland, who shares ministerial responsibility for Build Nova Scotia. “The Pictou County Rural Broadband Project is an important part of how we will achieve this, and together with our partners, we are pleased to support this expansion.”

The municipality’s fibre expansion project will cost about $53 million. In December, the Government of Canada announced up to $31 million for the project, while the county is expected to contribute $10.6 million.

In the meantime, the county started rolling out a fixed wireless service in December. It will be available to all residents in the zone, and when the fibre is ready, people will be able to switch over.

Residents and business owners in Pictou County and other parts of the province also have the option to get internet service faster through the provincial Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program. The program provides an interim solution until fixed wireless or wired projects – such as the one in Pictou County – are complete.

The rebate covers the one-time costs for eligible homes and businesses to set up satellite internet, including hardware, shipping, installation and tax, up to a maximum of $1,000. In November, the program was expanded to accept applications from any resident or business owner who currently does not have access to wired or wireless internet service.