MIDDLESEX COUNTY - More than 1,100 residents and businesses of Middlesex County are one step closer to fast, reliable internet access with the signing of six contracts for broadband infrastructure.
The governments of Canada and Ontario each committed up to $2.1 million to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of Middlesex County through an improved, modern broadband network.
Construction of the infrastructure networks in Middlesex County are expected to be up and running with service to start in March 2022. These projects are valued at $7.5 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses in underserved areas of the community.
The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Middlesex 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.
In addition to the contracts announced today, further broadband expansion is anticipated for Middlesex County pending final negotiations and approvals.
"Our government has a plan to connect all of Canada to high-speed Internet by 2030," said the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. "This plan is underway and it's working. Today's announced project will bring broadband service to over 1,100 homes and businesses in Middlesex County, ensuring that residents can stay connected to work, education services, and keep in touch with family, friends, and loved ones. Since 2015, we've invested 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 this progress through our $1.75 billion Universal Broadband Fund."
"When rural communities thrive, Canada thrives", said Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. "Reliable broadband infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the success of all residents in Southwestern Ontario. This includes members of rural communities. Equality of opportunity is what is at stake and the federal government is committed - through collaboration on the SWIFT project - to making that outcome a reality for all Canadians."
"The construction of broadband infrastructure in Middlesex 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 connectivity to rural and remote areas and we're making it happen."
"In 2021, the ability to stay connected - whether to family, friends, or customers - has never been more important", said Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. "For years we have been working to improve access to broadband. I'm pleased to see more families and businesses in Middlesex will have the opportunity to stay connected to the things that matter most to them."
"This is incredible and timely news for the residents of Middlesex County," said Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin - Middlesex - London. "I'm proud that the Ontario government is prioritizing the delivery of reliable broadband to the underserved areas of our community."
In response to the growing need for improved broadband service throughout Southwestern Ontario, I'm proud to say that with the support of our federal and provincial governments and private sector investors that more than 1,100 households and businesses will soon have access to fast, reliable high-speed internet in Middlesex County," said David Mayberry, SWIFT Board Chair. "In addition to today's announcement, further funding announcements are anticipated for Middlesex County that will bring even greater connectivity to the area."
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