Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.A) and the city of Brantford, ON, have teamed up to connect more than 1,300 subsidized households in the city and county of Brant to low-cost Internet service via Rogers' Connected for Success program. The program, now available to Brantford subsidized housing tenants, offers Internet access for $9.99 a month with no contract or credit checks upon sign up.
Rogers runs the Connected for Success program across its cable footprint in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and has partnered with more than 190 housing partners since 2013, most recently in the Region of Waterloo, ON. As a result, more than 15,500 households have gotten online as a part of the program, Rogers says.
"In today's digital world, access to the Internet is essential - it's how we book doctors' appointments, finish our homework, and connect with friends and family," said Peter King, Rogers' senior director of corporate social responsibility. "Together with the city of Brantford, we're committed to help bridge the digital divide for residents in the Brant region so that they can access vital information and opportunities in the community."
In 2015, an Ipsos-Reid study indicated that while 91% of Canadians currently have access to the Internet at home, the number drops to 70% in households with an annual income under $25,000.
"Academic and community research has consistently demonstrated that individuals who are not connected to the digital world have significantly lower outcomes related to education, income and health," said Chris Friel, mayor of Brantford. "The city's Digital Inclusion Strategy supports these families through projects that improve access to technology and opportunities for digital skills training. We are pleased to partner with Rogers to help bring this important access to those in our community who need it most."
Rogers also offers Internet 5 for $32.99, available to anyone within Rogers' Internet service area; modem rental of $8 a month is extra.
