The MPP for Lanark-Frontenac Kingston, Randy Hillier, says broadband internet is a necessary service in the 21st century. On Tuesday, Hillier provided an update to the Legislative Assembly regarding a local broadband internet survey conducted over the last two months. Hillier says the survey shows the more rural and remote you are, the less service you get and the more you will pay. He adds over 1,300 people shared their frustrations with rural internet service in the survey. Those surveyed were asked where they live, the costs for service and what the upload and download speeds are. The results from the survey showed that 93% of people in the riding are not getting the minimum speeds mandated by the federal government. Over half of those surveyed pay between $150 and $300 for internet, a quarter run their business or work from home, making broadband a necessity, and the majority (63%) feel they are paying too much. Hillier says he’s talked to Hydro One because the complicated and expensive process to attach fibre optic cables to utility poles is one of the biggest challenges to overcome in improving broadband service.
