The federal government is investing $1.8 million to expand high-speed Internet to rural areas of Eastern Ontario.

Cogeco won the contract and will connect 949 homes in four communities in Champlain Township: Cassburn, Henrys Corner, McAlpine and L’Orignal.

“Easier access to high-speed Internet is a game-changer for education, healthcare and small businesses. Thanks to today’s investment, more than 940 households in Champlain Township will be connected,” Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said Friday.

The funding comes from the $3.2 billion Universal Broadband Fundwhich aims to expand the Internet across the country. Ottawa plans to connect 98% of Canadian homes to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100% by 2030. It also has loaned $2.5 billion to Telesat for its upcoming satellite internet package, which aims to come online in 2027.