Nova Scotia rural internet study commissioned by province

Nova Scotia's Department of Business has tasked a consulting firm and technology company with figuring out whether it's possible to deliver faster and affordable internet. 

EY, the company that used to be known as Ernst and Young, and Concertia Technologies Inc. submitted a joint bid and were awarded the provincial contract in December. It's worth up to $100,000.

The companies are responsible for identifying needs, barriers and analyzing existing technologies. 

Residents and municipalities in rural parts of the province have long complained about slow and unreliable internet. Earlier this year, businesses also expressed concerns about an Eastlink bandwidth cap.

A final report is supposed to spell out the role the province should play and identify partners as well as which companies can provide internet services.

A statement from the Department of Business said "the solution is likely many different solutions with multiple partners" and "high quality internet may not be achievable or realistic given the costs." 

The contract is primarily focussed on studying issues in the southwestern part of the province, the department said. 

A spokeswoman said the final report is expected by the end of the winter.