N.L. budget to improve internet access

The provincial government will spend $8 million to expand broadband services, but some people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador will still have only limited access to the internet.

The moneywas announcedin Tuesday's budget.

Innovation Minister Susan Sullivan saidshedoesn't know how many homes won't receive improved service, but she said the last few kilometres are the most expensive to reach.

"People will stand and they'll point to me and say you can see the box right there, you just have to connect us to that box, but it's really not as simple as that," she said Tuesday.

"The kinks will take a while to sort out."

The Lewisporte Area Development Association encompasses 18 communities in central Newfoundland;only six have full broadband access.

"We do believe it's a step in the right direction," said association chair Fred Budgell.