Our PC government is delivering reliable internet to rural Nova Scotians.
More than 180 homes and businesses on Big and Little Tancook islands off the coast of Chester will soon have access to reliable high-speed internet service through the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative. This important project will connect both islands to the mainland by laying nearly six kilometres of submarine fibre optic cable along the ocean floor, bringing stronger connectivity to residents, local businesses and visitors.
“The Tancook islands are an important part of Nova Scotia’s coastal communities. By utilizing what surrounds us – the ocean – the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative and our partners are bringing fibre service to the islands, supporting residents, small businesses and visitors with access to the services and opportunities they need,” said Danielle Barkhouse, PC MLA for Chester-St. Margarets, on behalf of PC Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, who shares ministerial responsibility for Build Nova Scotia.
This is a unique and ambitious project. It will enable Bell fibre optic connections to homes and businesses on the islands and requires specialized marine equipment, environmental approvals and carefully co-ordinated construction. It is the only project under the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative using this approach.
Work is already moving ahead. Cabling supplies and equipment are being transported by barge from Halifax Harbour to a staging area in Blandford, where installation has begun. About eight kilometres of aerial fibre will also be installed, with the project expected to be complete early in the fall.
Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative
The broader Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative is now nearing completion. The vast majority of projects are complete, with the small number of remaining project areas underway to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to close to 100 per cent of homes and businesses across the province. Nova Scotia is among the first provinces or territories in Canada to reach this level of coverage.
The initiative has already exceeded its original target of 95 per cent. To date, more than 103,000 homes and businesses have access to high-speed internet through the project. That progress has been achieved through a mix of technologies, including fibre and other wired connections, fixed wireless, and the satellite rebate option, working with a mix of qualified service providers. As projects moved forward, additional addresses were also added.
Satellite Internet Service Rebate
The Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program has also helped close the gap for homes and businesses in harder-to-reach areas. Expanded in November 2022, the rebate remains available for eligible homes and businesses, including some in project areas still being completed. It covers one-time setup costs for satellite internet from a qualified provider, including hardware, taxes, shipping and installation, up to a maximum of $1,000. The rebate also remains available to approximately 3,500 homes and businesses where no feasible wired or wireless solution has yet been found, as well as addresses previously identified as not receiving high-speed access until after the end of 2023.
These projects represent our government’s commitment to strengthening rural communities, improving access to essential services and making sure Nova Scotians can stay connected no matter where they live.