The City of Calgary, Alberta is making it easier for Calgarians living with low income to access affordable telecom services through a new Fair Entry subsidy program. Fair Entry clients are now eligible for low-cost internet, wireless and TV services through the Rogers Communications’ (NYSE: RCI) “Rogers Connected for Success” program without requiring a separate application process.
The Calgary government began approaching telecommunication companies in the fall of 2021 to discuss the opportunity to use Fair Entry as a means of accessing subsidized internet programs. Partnering with telecom companies aligns with Calgary’s Digital Equity Strategy which seeks to provide Calgarians with access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet and access the right device in order to develop the digital literacy skills needed to connect and fully participate online.
The pilot program with Rogers is Fair Entry’s first public/private partnership subsidy program. The City is seeking other opportunities to leverage programs that benefit low income Calgarians. The City reports that there are currently 97,000 Calgarians approved for Fair Entry, in a metropolitan area with about 1.5 million people.
Rogers is one of Canada’s largest telecom companies, according to Inside Towers Intelligence. The company reported 11.6 million wireless connections and 4.8 million broadband subscribers at the end of 3Q23. The “Rogers Connected for Success” program is available to over 2.5 million low-income Canadians receiving various government income supports, now including eligible Fair Entry participants. There are no funds exchanged as part of this partnership.
“This pilot program with Rogers will increase Calgarians’ access to affordable wireless and internet services, which will open more doors for employment, education, healthcare and more,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Our hope is to partner with other telecommunications companies in the future to give Calgarians a wider choice of service providers that best meet their needs.”
“We’re deeply committed to making our services, including 5G technology, more affordable and accessible for all Canadians,” said Phil Hartling, President, Rogers Wireless. “[The] announcement with the City of Calgary builds on a number of investments we have made to help connect all Canadians across the country.”
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