Bridging Digital Divide: Rogers expands Connected for Success low-cost and reliable high-speed Internet program to help more Newfoundlanders

Program now available to anyone in Rogers service area receiving government income support, disability benefits, or seniors receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement

Expansion includes addition of faster speed options to further support growing connectivity needs

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Rogers Communications announced it is expanding eligibility for its Connected for Success_™ program to help bridge the digital divide for more Newfoundlanders, in addition to offering more speed options to support evolving connectivity needs. The Canadian first of its kind reliable, high-speed, low-cost Internet program is now expanding to new qualifying customers receiving income and disability benefits through Income Support or senior Newfoundlanders receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is available everywhere in Newfoundland that Rogers offers Internet service.

"This last year in particular has shown us the vital role that networks and connectivity play in all of our lives.  At Rogers we want to help ensure that no Canadian is left behind in accessing affordable Internet options," said Joe Natale, President and CEO, Rogers Communications. "We were the first to introduce a program to help low-income Canadians connect and are pleased to expand today to help more Newfoundlanders with additional options to meet their needs. We are proud to play a role in bridging the digital divide to ensure more people and families stay connected to the things that matter most, including vital support systems, access to employment, learning and loved ones."

Rogers was the first Internet provider to offer this type of program in Canada, introduced in Newfoundland in 2016 for those in Rent-Geared-to-Income housing, and for families receiving the Maximum Child Care Benefit through Connecting Families in 2018. After consulting with key government and community stakeholders, the expansion will include new speed options to support evolving connectivity needs of Newfoundlanders. Rogers newly expanded program supports the federal government's plan to provide faster Internet speeds to all Canadians.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we all rely on digital connections now. It has reinforced the importance of access to affordable high-speed Internet as, now more than ever, Canadians are working, learning and communicating with friends and family from home," said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "It is a priority for our Government to ensure that all Canadians get connected, and we are counting on our partners in the private sector to help us achieve that goal. I congratulate Rogers on expanding its Connected for Success program, now helping even more Canadians with their connectivity needs, and further bridging the digital divide."

Eligible customers can apply through the Connected for Success website and they must provide verification that they are receiving government financial assistance under one of the five qualifying programs. A Rogers customer experience specialist will then contact every qualified customer to do a needs assessment to determine which speed best meets their household's needs, noting the program provides free installation and modem rental, unlimited data and no credit checks.  This personalized experience will ensure the unique needs of every customer are met, including online schooling, accessing online social supports and job searches, attending virtual medical appointments, and combatting social isolation by staying connected to loved ones virtually. 

"Rogers Connected for Success program has been instrumental in the lives of our participants, and the expansion of the program will ensure its availability to more of our vulnerable population, in particular those living in poverty," said Kerri Rowe, Blue Door Support Coordinator, Thrive CYN. "In the past year we have seen a shift to online learning and online medical and mental health care, and it is more important than ever that every one of us has internet access." 

"Women fleeing violence will greatly benefit from this program with Rogers, particularly in rural areas," said Kaitlin Geiger-Bardswich, Communications and Development Manager, Women's Shelters Canada. "We know that domestic violence comes in many forms - including financial and technological abuse. Safe, affordable connectivity is essential for women and children to access services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will enable countless women to receive the counselling and safety planning they need, stay in touch with loved ones, apply for jobs, and attend on-line schooling, all of which helps them - and their children - to live lives free from violence." 

Supporting Newfoundlanders through the Connected for Success expansion, also announced today in Ontario and New Brunswick, is just one of the ways Rogers is committed to bridging the digital divide to meet critical connectivity needs for Canadians.  Throughout the pandemic, Rogers provided thousands of devices and plans as digital lifelines to women's shelters across Atlantic Canada like Iris Kirby House in St. John's, and to youth organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada to keep youth connected to mentors, in addition to providing annual Ted Rogers Community Grants and Ted Rogers Scholarships to support the next generation.  In partnership with the Jays Care Foundation and Food Banks Canada, the company also provided 9 million meals through donations and food hampers for food banks across the country like the St. John's Community Food Sharing Association as part of Step Up to the Plate. This year, in honour of its 60^th birthday and as part of The 60 Project, the Rogers team stepped up with a record number of volunteer hours to help make Canada stronger, together.

About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange RCI and on the New York Stock Exchange RCI. If you want to find out more about us, visit about.rogers.com.

For more information:
Rogers Communications, media@rci.rogers.com, 1-844-226-1338