Ontario says it's pushing telecom providers to connect as many northerners as possible

The Ontario government is putting another$680 milliontogive people stronger internet and cellular signals.

The money will be doled out over the next six years to "shovel-ready" projects in under-serviced areas across the province.

Infrastructure minister Laurie Scott says she is looking for bids that are a partnership between communities and telecom companies, big and small.

"Everybody needs this service now but [we're] working with the telecommunications service providers to make the business case go forward," she said.

"But alsotoo, in some way, pressure them to say,'We've got to do better, we're going to be a willing partner and we've got to connect as many people as possible.'"

Listen to the interview with Minister Scott on CBC'sMorning North:

Many in northern Ontario feel its time for a big government investment to get the entire region connected, perhaps through declaring internet a "public service."

Currently, about 30 per cent of the north does not have strong internet service and very have access to national standards for download speeds.

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