Just as the American government’s cheap internet program is ramping up, our northern neighbors are angry that their version of the program has been eliminated.
It goes by various names in the United States – Lifeline Internet, Internet Essentials, Internet Basics, Connect-to-Compete and others – but in Canada it’s known as CAP (the Community Access Program). Supporters of the program, originally aimed at low income Canadians, say it has been completely eliminated from the latest federal budget.
CAP was introduced north of the border in 1995. Advocates for the poor say that CAP’s cancellation leaves low-income Canadians in the lurch and proves that the country has no national digital strategy.
Much like Lifeline Internet in the United States, CAP was once a key element in the Canadian government’s effort to connect its low-income citizens to the internet.
Opponents say times have changed and that the program was cancelled because it no longer served its original purpose. When CAP originated, home internet access was limited and wireless data plans were still a dream. Now, according to the government, most Canadians have residential broadband access and internet access via smartphones.
(Editor’s Note: What a difference between the two countries. Most Canadians have smartphone access to the internet, while many needy Americans are forced to rely on free government cell phones.)
Several recent studies found that CAP was “less aligned with the current priorities of the government” and that it “may have out-lived its usefulness as a means to bring the Internet to communities across Canada.”
Despite CAP’s 17-year effort to bring affordable internet access to the needy, 2010 statistics prove that many low-income Canadians still don’t have internet access at home. In fact, nearly half of all Canadians with incomes under $30,000 don’t have access to the Internet.
Here’s good news for Americans: Just as Canada is eliminating its cheap government internet program, the United States is getting ready to launch its own version of the program. The Federal Communications Commission and a consortium of cable and technology companies will premiere Connect-to-Compete, a program aimed at bringing computers and internet access to low-income Americans, in September, 2012.
The program will include high speed, broadband internet access for just $10 a month plus refurbished computers for $150 or new ones from for just $250. As an added bonus, retailing giant Best Buy will offer basic internet and computer training in 20 cities around the country.
Killing CAP may mean that many thousands of low income Canadians will lose internet access.
Far be it from us to stick our noses into another country’s affairs, but we urge the Canadian government to rethink the cancellation of the CAP program. Internet access is more important than ever and expanding its reach to more of the nation’s needy is a worthwhile goal that shouldn’t be abandoned.
Thank your lucky stars, America, that our version of the program will begin in a matter of months.
Source: Ottawa Citizen (dead link now)
jdogg says
Don’t we, in the United States, already pay for free internet in libraries?
Maureen Matthew says
Free internet or a balanced budget – decisions, decisions, decisions!! Having just submitted by income tax return, I think I will go with the balanced budget.
Besides there are lots of hot spots all over Canada. I travel extensively and it is only in the north that internet access is a bit wonky – even if if you pay for it!!!