Ottawa is promising to hook up more rural and remote areas of the country with high-speed internet from additional funding announced this week.

In Atlantic Canada, the Universal Broadband Fund will provide millions of dollars for towns, companies and co-ops through the Innovasion, Science and Economic Development Canada (or ISED).

There’s also a so-called rapid response stream of cash to get projects going right away, given the importance and urgency of online connectivity in the midst of the global pandemic.

Federal economic development minister Mèlanie Joly says she realizes the application process can seem daunting.

She says ISED can provide simple, one-stop assistance to avoid the red-tape maze that people sometimes experience when dealing with the federal government.

Joly says up to $150-million is available for each proposal, adding Ottawa will also work with the big telecom companies to ensure their participation in getting the infrastructure in place in the more rural and remote areas of this province.

She says 98 per cent of Canada will be connected to high-speed internet by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030.

The deadline for applications for the funding is next November.

Applications to the Universal Broadband Fund are now being accepted. Information is available at this link.