Premier pledges high-speed internet for all

Premier Rodney MacDonald repeated an election promise Wednesday to ensure all Nova Scotians have broadband internet access by 2010.

MacDonald said access to high-speed internet is a key partin creating a "new Nova Scotia."

"Expanding our broadband internet access is as important to our society today in 2006 as electrification was in 1936," he said during a speech to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

"By the end of 2009, Nova Scotians, no matter where they live, will have 100 per cent coverage."

The premier said 66 schools in the province don't have broadband internet access, which puts students at a disadvantage.

MacDonald wouldn't say how much it will cost to make sure every home in the province is plugged into a high-speed network.

He said his government is getting ready to announce the first step in the plan, which is to bring broadband service to Cumberland County.