The province will test internet speeds as part of its strategy to improve service to rural Islanders.
Launching later this month, a speed-test survey will help to map internet speeds and service providers Island wide and better identify where improvements are most needed. The ultimate goal is to ensure rural Islanders can acquire reasonably priced services that provide the speeds necessary to use today’s technology.
“We have engaged internet service providers, community groups, and municipalities and made it clear that we will consider proposals to improve internet service in our rural areas. We want to see a competitive, open market to provide Islanders with the best available service,” Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald said. “Since we announced our intentions we’ve seen local providers move into underserved areas in all three counties without assistance from the province, and we’ve seen proposals from a number of communities looking for improved service.”
The department has heard from Islanders about the need for more adequate Internet speeds. The province will use their feedback along with the speed test survey data to determine the best future course of action. About 20 per cent of Islanders cannot access adequate internet services, mainly in rural areas.
The on-line speed test survey will require participants to enter basic information including their civic address and service provider. They will then be directed to an on-line speed test which will measure and record the participant’s upload and download speeds.
“Businesses, students and residents in rural Prince Edward Island need improved internet speed to be competitive, successful, and to fully participate in today’s digital world,” Rural and Regional Development Minister Pat Murphy said. “I applaud the work of the smaller, locally owned internet service providers that are expanding into underserved areas, and I look forward to further improvements to internet speeds across the province.”
In the coming months, nearly universal coverage across the province of up to 25 mbps will begin to be rolled out, which will give Prince Edward Island among the best coverage of up to 25 mbps in Canada.
Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
(902) 368-5535
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca