ACORN Canada report shows internet costs are unaffordable for low-income earners
58.9% of respondents said they are forced to take money out of food and rent to pay for internet
A new study from ACORN Canada says the average costs for high-speed internet are 'extremely prohibitive' for low-income earners across the country.
The results showed that although the internet plays a significant daily role in respondents' lives, the costs of obtaining a high-speed connection can lead to difficulties.
"Access to the internet is a right," said Marva Burnett, president for ACORN Canada in a statement.
"How can low-income families get out of poverty if they can't apply for jobs, can't access government services ... Libraries and coffee shops are not a solution."
Respondents said they needed high-speed connections to search for jobs, or research school work.
ACORN Canada is calling for the CRTC to create a subsidy for low-income families.
- A $10/month product for high speed (15 megabits/second or equivalent to high speed in area).
- Subsidized computers for families below a certain level of income.