[Advisors] small providers and new affordable internet program - NCF

[Marita Moll]

Hello advisors. You will all by now know about the new government 
program on affordable high speed internet for low income families. What 
you probably have not heard is how this potentially affects small ISPs. 
NCF Executive Director Shelley Robinson was interviewed on our local 
morning radio program and she offered the following information:

1. Small ISPs are still paying high wholesale rates for their lines from 
the big providers who are part of this government program. This makes it 
impossible for small ISPs to compete with this program which the big 
providers are able to offer at no risk to themselves or their business 
model.

2. This program is offered to a very limited number of Canadians -- even 
a limited number of eligible Canadians -- as it is a form of lottery 
system in which a specific number of names are drawn -- 220,000 per year 
-- for one year

3. It is not unlimited usage

So, this is not the big give-away it looks to be. In addition, it 
compromises small providers. Hold the champagne!!!!

6 minute interview here:

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-100-ottawa-morning/clip/15904747-federal-government-announces-affordable-high-speed-internet-access-low-income

gov't announcement here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2022/04/government-of-canada-announces-affordable-high-speed-internet-to-help-connect-low-income-families-and-seniors.html