Low-cost internet service available to tenants of subsidized housing

WATERLOO REGION — Subsidized housing residents in Waterloo Region now have access to low-cost, high-speed internet service.

“It brings the internet to lot of people who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “It’s a bit of an equalizer.”

As many as 12,000 lowincome housing tenants will have access to the internet for $9.99 a month through a partnership between the region and Rogers.

Seiling applauded the program at the Wednesday announcement held at a seniors’ subsidized housing community in Cambridge, saying it “creates greater inclusivity in the community.”

He said the program recognizes that large companies have a social responsibility.

Rogers’ Connected for Success program started in 2013 and is available wherever Rogers provides service in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. So far, 15,000 households have signed up.

Here, the focus will be first on offering the program to Waterloo Region Housing tenants, and then expand it to other affordable housing tenants in the region.

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig said empowerment comes with access to the internet. “It’s all about information. It’s all about bringing the outside world in,” Craig said. “This is wonderful.”

A 2015 Ipsos-Reid study found that 91 per cent of Canadians have access to the internet at home, but that drops to 70 per cent in households with an annual income under $25,000.

Waterloo Region Housing resident John Short, 66, signed up right away. He’s a keen internet user, and helps other seniors realize the potential of going online.

“With the internet, doors are open,” Short said. “Before, it was totally closed to me.”

Not only does the program offer internet service at a low monthly cost, there are no extra fees for installation or modem rental and people can disconnect without a penalty. No contract or credit checks are required to sign up.

“This is about providing Canadians with the skills and tools to succeed,” said Peter King, senior director of corporate social responsibility for Rogers. “When people are without access to the internet at home, they’re missing out on very important things.”

Eligible Waterloo Region Housing tenants can call 1-866-689-0758 for more information about the program.