The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented necessity for internet access. With the transition to remote work, schooling, and telemedicine, it became crucial to have an accessible and reliable internet connection. Disproportionate affordability to the internet is most present among rural communities that pay approximately 46% higher installation fees and 14% higher monthly fees according to an article on the rural and urban divide in Canada (Worden & Hambly, 2021). With many dwellers in rural Québec communities paying unaffordable rates for less reliable and slower internet access (Government of Canada, 2019). 

Prime Minister Trudeau has stated that "High-speed internet is becoming a basic utility, like water, or electricity. People need to have access to data" (CBC, 2021). He has promised to provide all Canadians with high speed internet by 2030. The Québec government has a budget of $826 million to expand high speed internet access. But what are those that are left with unaffordable internet rates to do in the meantime?

In 2022, Y4Y Québec called on the Government of Canada and the provincial government to provide publicly subsidized internet rates, with the highest internet speeds available, to rural parts of the province, in order to match the rates offered in urban regions. Y4Y Québec also called on the provincial and federal governments to offer special rates to students. Students and youth in rural areas are dependent on stable internet access. Those who live in rural regions have limited job opportunities and schools within their vicinity. With many youth residing at home in rural communities they require a reliable internet connection to continue learning or working from home. Youth experience significant challenges to online schooling and work. These challenges include inadequate work spaces, unreliable internet connections, and disturbances from roommates, parents, and siblings. Competition with others in the home for the use of a weak internet connection creates further complications. The government and telecommunication companies should offset this burden by offering special rates to students.