Seniors, income support recipients to get low-cost Rogers service in 3 provinces

TORONTO – Rogers Communications Inc. says it is expanding eligibility for its low-cost internet service to include more seniors and those receiving income support or disability support in Ontario, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

Roger’s low-cost internet program previously offered discounted internet service for tenants in at least 300 rent-geared-to-income and subsidized properties, as well as families who received the maximum Canada Child Benefit.

Now, the company says it will offer the service to recipients of the Guaranteed Income Supplement in the three provinces, as well as New Brunswick recipients of the Social Assistance Program or Disability Support Program, Newfoundland recipients of Income Support, and Ontario recipients of Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Rogers is also adding several more high-speed tiers to the program.

The company estimates the expansion will make 750,000 households eligible for the program, compared with about 250,000 that were eligible before the expansion — of which more than 25,000 had signed up.

The company says the program was expanded after consultation with government, with the goal of helping people with online schooling, job searches, attending virtual medical appointments, and combating social isolation during the pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2021.

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