Discount internet access offered to 19,000 families living in social housing

High-speed internet for $9.99 per month is now being offered to thousands of New Brunswick families who live in social housing.

"So that's 80 per cent off," said Ken Marshall, Atlantic president for Rogers Communications, who launched the Connected for Success program in Saint John on Monday.

"That's good value. And they don't have to worry about overage fees. They don't have to worry about credit checks. They don't have to worry about anything, really."

The company started a pilot program three years ago in Toronto and says it now has a take-up rate of 12,000 families there.

The next phase will see it expanded to 150,000 families living in non-profit housing wherever Rogers provides internet service in Ontario, New Brunswickand Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I'm very happy," said Crescent Valley resident Stacey Hasselman, who is now a subscriber.

"I knew I couldn't afford internet by itself because it's quite expensive."

"The last time I called about it, I think it was 60 to 80 dollars and I said, 'No, I can't afford that.'"

Some 5,000 tenants of NB Housing will soon be getting letters in the mail that explain how to sign up for the program.

The company has also provided a designated number for people who want to learn more about the program 1-866-689-0758.

"Without internet[people] can't function," said Anne Driscoll, executive director for the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

"We have a lot of folks coming in who are looking for access to internet to develop resumes, to print government files, banking documentsand other formal documents that they need access to."

"So I think it's going to be great,great boost to those families."