Political parties promise internet for all

All three parties in Newfoundland and Labrador election campaign are promising province-wide internet access, though nonehas yet put a price tag on the promise.

Liberal Leader Kevin Aylward unveiled his party's plan for province-wide broadband andcellular coverage in rural areas on Thursday.

"We believe that bringing these essential services to all parts of the province is possible through public-private partnerships and will initiate a comprehensive study to develop the best and most cost-effective way forward," said Aylward.

He said a Liberal government would work with the consultingcompany Smart Labrador to develop a plan to ensure that all Labrador communities have access to high-speed internet.

The Liberals would also work with the private sector and aboriginal groups, to provide cell phone coverage along all ofthe Trans-Labrador Highway.

Aylward said the policy has not yet been costed, but that details would be worked out after the election following consultations.

In the Blue Book policy platform, the governing Progressive Conservatives say they will work with the federal government and the private sector to provide province-wide, high-speed access within four years.

The party is also standing on its record of expanding broadband access across Newfoundland and Labrador. The book highlights previous spending of $20.6 million and the leveraging of more than $90 million for increased broadband access.

The Tories saybroadband access is now available in 450 communities,up from 114 in 2003.

There was no new spending for broadband expansion mentioned in the PC platform.

The New Democratic Party is also promising broadband access for those who do without in parts of Labrador and rural areas of the island.

The NDP platform says the party will ensure that all communities have access to high-speed internet in rural areas and Labrador.

There is no mention of cost or how this promise would be achieved.