Rogers announces affordable broadband internet initiative to help bridge Canada's digital divide

Rogers Youth Fund Connected for Success to bring internet connections and tools to connect youth and low-income Canadian families 

Microsoft Canada and Compugen team up to provide software and subsidized computers  

TORONTO, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications announced today a new broadband internet pilot project called Connected for Success that will provide affordable broadband internet, computers and software to Toronto Community Housing (TCH).  As part of the Rogers Youth Fund program, Connected for Success will bring more youth online and give them the tools and resources needed to experience the benefits of connectivity.

"We must invest and develop our youth to ensure they have the digital savvy they need to be part of and prosper in Canada's digital future.  And it starts with a broadband connection," said Rob Bruce, President of Communications, Rogers Communications. "It's unfathomable that Canadians are living without internet access today because they simply cannot afford it.  With Connected for Success we've taken the first step to connect youth and we urge our competitors, our partners and communities to work with us to bridge Canada's digital divide." 

The Connected for Success™ initiative, part of the Rogers Youth Fund™, will start later this year in Toronto with Canada's largest social housing provider, Toronto Community Housing. 

"Rogers has stepped up to create a tremendous opportunity for youth living in Toronto Community Housing," said Eugene Jones Jr., TCH President and Chief Executive Officer. "I thank Rogers, Microsoft Canada and Compugen for their leadership in opening the door to new possibilities in our communities, and look forward to working with them to implement this initiative."

Participants who qualify will have access to $9.99 per month for broadband internet speeds of 3Mbps and usage allowance up to 30 GB. Microsoft Canada and Compugen are supporting the program by providing the option to purchase a computer for $150.00 that will come pre-loaded with complimentary software along with access to technical support. 

"Today's announcement is a huge step forward, demonstrating leadership in providing affordable internet access to families," said Mark Goldberg, Mark H. Goldberg & Associates Inc. and co-founder of The Canadian Telecom Summit. "This initiative benefits our communities and helps strengthen Canada's performance in a digital economy." 

Connected for Success participants will additionally have access to digital literacy programming and resources that will help them get the most out of their internet connection. 

In 2012, Rogers launched Rogers Youth Fund and Tech Essentials, programs dedicated to the development of digital literacy and technology skills among Canadians. The Rogers Youth Fund program, www.rogersyouthfund.com, focuses on giving youth a brighter future through funding after school programs that provide digital access, digital literacy and academic support. In the past year, over eighty-five thousand students have participated in programs supported by the Rogers Youth Fund.

To help Canadians build their digital knowledge, Rogers launched Tech Essentials, http://techessentials.rogers.com/. Through an interactive website, Tech Essentials provides parents and families with information on how to make smart and safe digital choices.

More information about the Connected for Success program will be available in the coming months.

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.

SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.

Allison Fitton, Rogers Communications, [email protected], 416-935-8860