So how does rural Canada keep pace? We believe there are three key ingredients to success. The first is private investment. The second is targeted public investment. The third is spectrum.
The first issue, we would submit, is for governments to create the right conditions to allow companies to continue to aggressively invest in their networks. Sometimes this includes governments simply staying out of the way. After all, the goal should be sustainable solutions where networks are economically viable to be able to make continuous private investments that are needed to meet consumers' growing demands. But in certain areas, it will also include targeted public investment. To that end, Xplornet has supported and worked closely with the Government of Canada through its various iterations of funding programs, the first being broadband Canada, the second being the connecting Canadians program, and the third—most recent—being connect to innovate.
Where most companies, including Xplornet, can agree is on the need for a robust backbone network to drive investments and capacity into rural areas. You've heard witnesses today echo that sentiment.
At Xplornet we believe the Government of Canada's connect to innovate program is a great start. Similarly, the details of the CRTC's broadband funding regime, the seeds of which were announced one year ago, are still to be determined, and we await further details on that fund. We think all providers should look forward to clarity and coordination on these programs so that we can accelerate our own investment plans.
Finally, we believe we need consistent and reliable access to wireless spectrum to fuel our networks all across the country in rural Canada. Of course, these policies are determined by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.