Rogers, in cooperation with Microsoft and Compugen, launches affordable broadband initiative with Canada's largest social housing provider
TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications today officially launched Connected for Success, a pilot program offering affordable broadband internet, a subsidized computer and software to residents of Toronto Community Housing (TCH). Connected for Success began its roll out in the Cooper Mills community today where Toronto Community Housing residents were among the first to sign up for the program.
Part of the Rogers Youth Fund initiative and with support from Compugen and Microsoft Canada, the program is designed to bring more youth online and give them the tools and resources needed to succeed in Canada's digital future. Through an established relationship with Toronto Community Housing, Connected for Success has the potential to reach over 150,000 low-income residents.
"There is a digital divide in Canada and we see a huge potential to bridge it by providing youth and families with access to an affordable broadband connection," said Rob Bruce, President of Communications, Rogers Communications. "Across Canada, internet penetration is more than eighty per cent and in Toronto Community Housing it's only twenty per cent. We have a tremendous opportunity working with Toronto Community Housing to reach thousands of families and youth, enabling them to build digital skills that will contribute to their future success."
"Connected for Success is a great example of how when we all work together - residents, the private sector, community leaders, and Toronto Community Housing staff - we can provide youth and all residents in our communities with the tools to succeed," said Gene Jones, Toronto Community Housing President and CEO. "We thank Rogers for taking leadership to put this program in place and Compugen and Microsoft Canada for their support to help Toronto Community Housing residents access a more connected, successful future."
The Connected for Success program offers qualified residents of TCH access to Rogers Hi-Speed Internet service with speeds of up to 3Mbps and usage allowance of 30 GB for only $9.99 per month. Rogers Communications, with support from Microsoft Canada and Compugen, is supporting the program by providing the option to purchase, for $150.00, a computer that will come pre-loaded with complimentary standard productivity and educational software along with access to technical support.
"Home access to high speed internet service on computers with standard software helps people master essential reading, writing, math, collaboration and research skills, preparing them to participate more fully in our digital economy," said Harry Zarek, President and CEO, Compugen. "Digital literacy equips Canadians to imagine and realize a better future for themselves, their families, their community and their country."
"Microsoft is committed to empowering people to realize their full potential. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Rogers and Compugen to provide access to high value tools that will allow youth to create opportunities for themselves now and in the future," said Maxwell Long, President Microsoft Canada.
Detailed information about the roll-out of Connected for Success will become available before end of year. For more information today about Connected for Success, visit www.rogersyouthfund.com.
About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit rogers.com.
About Compugen
One of Canada's largest IT solutions and services providers, Compugen works with mid- to large-sized Canadian organizations to help them maximize the business value of their investment in information technology. A winner of the Microsoft Sustainability Partner of the Year Award, and HP's Eco System Preservation Award, Compugen's Green4Good program helps organizations benefit a charity of their choice while extending the life of unwanted IT equipment through secure refurbishment and resale. Compugen's award-winning service quality, unequalled depth and breadth of technical expertise and national footprint have made them the partner of choice for Canadian businesses and government organizations for more than 30 years. www.compugen.com
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
About Toronto Community Housing:
Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants with low and moderate incomes—about six per cent of Toronto's population. Toronto Community Housing and its subsidiaries employ 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs, who deliver its mission to provide affordable housing, connect tenants to services and opportunities, and work together to build healthy communities.
Image with caption: "Residents of Toronto Community Housing (TCH) Cooper Mills residence sign up with Rogers for a new affordable broadband Internet program called Connected for Success. Rogers officially launched the program offering qualified residents of TCH access to Rogers high-speed Internet service for only $9.99 per month and the opportunity to purchase a computer loaded with software for $150.00. More information at www.rogersyouthfund.com. (CNW Group/Rogers Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130822_C7509_PHOTO_EN_30053.jpg
SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.
Sara Howe, Rogers Communications, [email protected], 416-935-3151
Sara Goldvine, Toronto Community Housing, [email protected], 416-981-4252
Share this article