Rogers announces affordable broadband internet initiative to help bridge Canada's digital divide
Rogers Youth Fund Connected for Success to bring internet connections
and tools to connect youth and low-income Canadian families
Microsoft Canada and Compugen team up to provide software and subsidized
computers
TORONTO, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ – Rogers Communications announced today a new broadband internet pilot
project called Connected for Success that will provide affordable broadband internet, computers and software
to Toronto Community Housing (TCH). As part of the Rogers Youth Fund program, Connected for Success will bring more youth online and give them the tools and resources
needed to experience the benefits of connectivity.
“We must invest and develop our youth to ensure they have the digital
savvy they need to be part of and prosper in Canada’s digital future.
And it starts with a broadband connection,” said Rob Bruce, President
of Communications, Rogers Communications. “It’s unfathomable that
Canadians are living without internet access today because they simply
cannot afford it. With Connected for Success we’ve taken the first step to connect youth and we urge our
competitors, our partners and communities to work with us to bridge
Canada’s digital divide.”
The Connected for Success™ initiative, part of the Rogers Youth Fund™, will start later this year in Toronto with Canada’s largest social
housing provider, Toronto Community Housing.
“Rogers has stepped up to create a tremendous opportunity for youth
living in Toronto Community Housing,” said Eugene Jones Jr., TCH
President and Chief Executive Officer. “I thank Rogers, Microsoft
Canada and Compugen for their leadership in opening the door to new
possibilities in our communities, and look forward to working with them
to implement this initiative.”
Participants who qualify will have access to $9.99 per month for
broadband internet speeds of 3Mbps and usage allowance up to 30 GB.
Microsoft Canada and Compugen are supporting the program by providing
the option to purchase a computer for $150.00 that will come pre-loaded
with complimentary software along with access to technical support.
“Today’s announcement is a huge step forward, demonstrating leadership
in providing affordable internet access to families,” said Mark
Goldberg, Mark H. Goldberg & Associates Inc. and co-founder of The
Canadian Telecom Summit. “This initiative benefits our communities and
helps strengthen Canada’s performance in a digital economy.”
Connected for Success participants will additionally have access to digital literacy
programming and resources that will help them get the most out of their
internet connection.
In 2012, Rogers launched Rogers Youth Fund and Tech Essentials, programs dedicated to the development of digital literacy and
technology skills among Canadians. The Rogers Youth Fund program, www.rogersyouthfund.com, focuses on giving youth a brighter future through funding after school
programs that provide digital access, digital literacy and academic
support. In the past year, over eighty-five thousand students have
participated in programs supported by the Rogers Youth Fund.
To help Canadians build their digital knowledge, Rogers launched Tech Essentials, http://techessentials.rogers.com/. Through an interactive website, Tech Essentials provides parents and families with information on how to make smart and
safe digital choices.
More information about the Connected for Success program will be available in the coming months.
About Rogers Communications:
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media
company. We are Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data
communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable
television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers
Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised
shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and
digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please
visit rogers.com.
SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.