Millions for internet and cell phone service in rural communities

The provincial government is bringing high-speed internet and better cellphone service torural and remote communities in Ontario.

Premier Doug Ford announced the province's $315 million plan Tuesday in Lucan, Ont. The goal is toimprove digital connectivity for up to 220,000homes and businesses in ruralcommunities.

"For the people in these communities, it's a massive real problem. They're not able to do some of the basic things that most of us take for granted," Premier Ford said at a media event.

"Things like paying your bills online, watching videos, upgrading job skills from e-learning, or staying in touch with family or loved ones, even making an emergency call from a remote areacan be a nightmare if you find yourself in a dead cell zone,"he added.

The plan features a $150 million investment for a new broadband fund which will leverage private sector funding along with support from other levels of government, to drive investment to ruralcommunities. The plan is expected to generate up to $1 billion in total investment over five years,something the province says will result incommunity, social and economic benefits.

"We're going to make sure no community in Ontario is left behind in the 21st century," Ford said.

Rural and remote community members have long complained that the lack ofconnectivity has been a significant barrier to economic development and community success.