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 sixty 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.
SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.
