Proposals sought for improved internet service

The provincial government has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for companies to make internet services faster and better across P.E.I.

The objective is to improve Internet service to over 30,000 underserved civic addresses across the province by meeting or exceeding the CRTC objective of download speeds of 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of 10 Mbps by the year 2021.

Devin Coffin, owner of Crescent Isle Cottages in Grand Tracadie, said he’s one of thousands of residents who will benefit from the improved services.

He said better Internet will allow his guests to have faster service on site and will help him improve his marketing and promotion efforts.

“Customers have come to expect free wireless internet when they rent a short-term accommodation like mine, and that’s not a reliable service I can offer at the moment,” he said.

“I’m very pleased to see government moving ahead with these plans and I look forward to having better options for my business and my customers.”

The effort to improve internet service was announced in the provincial government’s most recent capital budget.

Submissions to the province will be accepted until Oct. 12. For more information, visit Princeedwardisland.ca/en/tenders.