PERTH COUNTY - More than 860 residents and businesses of Perth County are one step closer to fast, reliable internet access with the signing of five contracts for broadband infrastructure.
Both the Governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $1.8 million to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of Perth County through an improved, modern broadband network.
Construction of the infrastructure network is expected to be up and running with service starting in March 2022. These projects are valued at $6.6 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses in underserved areas of Perth County.
The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Perth County were 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 2,140 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have received access to improved broadband through SWIFT.
"Now more than ever, high speed internet access is essential for all Canadians, no matter where they live," said the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. "Today's important project will bring broadband service to more than 860 homes and businesses in Perth County, ensuring that residents can stay connected to work, education services, and keep in touch with family, friends, and loved ones. Since 2015, our government has committed over $205 million to 17 connectivity projects in Ontario which will connect 19,657 more households to better, faster Internet - and we will continue to build on that progress through our $1.75 billion Universal Broadband Fund."
"I am proud of the progress our government has made, in collaboration with our partners, towards reaching our goal of connecting all Canadian homes and businesses to high-speed Internet." said Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. "Today's investment will bring fast and reliable broadband access to more families and businesses in Perth County, giving them access to essential services that are critical to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of their families."
"The construction of broadband infrastructure in Perth County 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 to our rural and remote areas and we're making it happen."
"For many years, I have advocated for reliable and affordable broadband for the people I represent," said Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece. "Many more of them will have access to it because of today's announcement. I want to thank our local municipalities and everyone who worked to make it possible."
"Today in partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, we are pleased to announce $6.6 million in infrastructure investments to support the expansion of high-speed broadband services in Perth County," said David Mayberry, SWIFT Board Chair. "Once complete, the newly announced fibre networks will provide many more residents living in Southwestern Ontario with access to fast, reliable internet connectivity to better support digital learning, provide increased employment opportunities and enable greater economic prosperity within the region."
Work continues 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