Members of a local group are still working with federal officials on internet access.
There was a provincial high-speed internet announcement Tuesday.
Sara Rankin started the group Better Internet for Inverness Co. after she shared how struggles with internet access were affecting her Mabou-based business.
Rankin tells The Hawk it’s become even more important because of COVID-19.
“More than ever, there’s businesses working from home, students, teachers- all that needs to be addressed right now, so we basically said we’re not willing to wait,” she says. “I don’t think our group is going to get any quieter, so unless something does change, we have plans in mind that we’re willing to do and implement just to make sure that people are given fair service around here.”
Rankin says many more people came forward with stories about how poor internet access affects them after she shared the problems she faces trying to run her online graphic design business.
She says group members met with Mike Kelloway, the MP for Cape Breton-Canso, and Bernadette Jordan, our provincial representative in the federal cabinet, as well as provincial and municipal officials recently.
“They gave us a few details that, unfortunately I can’t speak too much to,” she says. “There is something being worked on in the federal government, some funding for rural internet, so I’m feeling very hopeful.”
Rankin says the provincial announcement is a good step, but the feds need to get involved too.
She says she’s optimistic because the MPs have committed to meeting with them again at the end of September.
Photo credit: Steve Rankin Photography
