About Digital Ontario
In a global marketplace, new technologies, skills and ways of thinking are needed to grow a prosperous Ontario in the 21st century. Broadband, in particular, is quickly achieving recognition as public infrastructure that advances innovation and economic development, strengthens rural communities, supports world-class research and helps reduce carbon emissions.
The Digital Ontario website is designed to support the Ministry of Government Services' (MGS) ongoing investigation into the challenges and opportunities of broadband technology. Findings from research activities indicate that our degree of advancement in broadband access and e-readiness are measures of our preparedness for further economic growth and innovation. Digital infrastructure capacity, comprised of broadband speed, cost and penetration, and digital literacy are factors necessary for success in the digital era.
This website provides information on Ontario's digital strategy, which is a partnership between the Ministry of Government Services, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. These and other partner ministries coordinate relevant government investments, including the Rural Connections Broadband Program, strategic research on the digital divide and access issues, and the promotion of broadband for social and economic development.
The Rural Connections Broadband Program, delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, is making strategic investments in broadband infrastructure. These investments will continue to help rural communities foster partnerships and pursue innovative approaches to promote social and economic development, and improve access to government programs and services.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade promotes the adoption and use of e-business solutions and new technologies. The ministry has developed and E-Business Toolkit for small businesses that are new to the world of e-business.
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, in partnership with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, is facilitating the deployment of broadband and cellular connectivity in northern Ontario.
The purpose of the website is to identify emerging opportunities to use high-speed connectivity to produce economic and social value, and improve the delivery of government services.
Please explore the Digital Ontario website, including an interim research findings report on digital divide and access issues, and supporting information and activities, such as videos and presentations from fora and conferences, commissioned academic papers, planned ePanels, and links to interesting sites in Ontario and in other jurisdictions.
Latest Developments
On July 30, 2009, Ontario announced its commitment of nearly $88 million in provincial broadband infrastructure cost-sharing to leverage federal broadband funding under two separate programs:
Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component: The province will provide up $55 million for the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Inc. Regional Broadband Network Proposal.
Broadband Canada - Connecting Rural Canadians program: The province will provide up to $32.75 million as top-up to federal funding for broadband projects in Ontario.
For more information, please visit ontario.ca
