MIDDLESEX COUNTY – More than 590 homes and businesses in Middlesex County are one step closer to fast, reliable internet access with the signing of the contract for the installation of broadband infrastructure in the community.
Construction of the new broadband network that will service Middlesex County’s Christina, Longwood, Mayfair, Middlemiss, and Muncey communities, is expected to begin this month with service to start in December 2022. The project, valued at $5.5 million, will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses in underserved areas of the community.
The governments of Canada and Ontario each committed up to $1.4 million to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of Middlesex County through an improved, modern broadband network.
The contract to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Middlesex County was awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. To date, more than 3,190 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have received access to improved broadband through SWIFT.
“Having access to fast and reliable internet service is as important as being able to count on electricity,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. “The world is witnessing a new and ongoing digital revolution, and the federal government is working day-in and day-out to ensure all Canadians are able to benefit from high-speed internet.”
“The signing of the final contract for the construction of broadband infrastructure in the communities of Christina, Longwood, Mayfair, Middlemiss and Muncey will help businesses to expand, create new job opportunities and connect more people to the services and information they need,” said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our government recognizes the importance of expanding broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas; we’re making it happen everyday throughout the province in counties like Middlesex.”
“Families and businesses in these communities have been eagerly waiting for quick and reliable internet service,” said Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “This investment in getting our community connected means greater access to well-paying jobs and a stronger local economy for years to come. Today’s milestone is another example of our government’s commitment to the people of our county and beyond.”
“To help businesses to grow and communities to thrive, SWIFT has been proudly working in partnership with the governments of Ontario and Canada to improve broadband service throughout Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “Today we are pleased to announce that the remaining SWIFT contract in Middlesex County has now been awarded to bring high-speed internet access to nearly 600 additional homes and businesses within the municipality. In total, Middlesex County will receive $13 million in broadband upgrades to support seven fibre-to-the-home projects.”
Efforts continue to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined federal – provincial investment of more than $191 million to bring fast, reliable and affordable internet to thousands of homes and businesses. This will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.
Source : Ontario