SIMCOE COUNTY, Ont. — The government of Ontario announced today construction has begun on broadband infrastructure projects in Simcoe County, Ont., which will collectively connect more than 11,000 rural homes and businesses to high-speed Internet service.
The projects are being funded through Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc. (SWIFT), supported by the governments of Canada and Ontario, which each committed $9 million in funding to broadband expansion projects that will deliver reliable Internet access to the townships of Clearview, Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Tiny, Tay, Severn and Ramara, and the towns of Midland, Penetanguishene, Innisfil, and the community of New Lowell.
In addition, the first stage of broadband expansion has now been completed in the communities of Penville, Rich Hill, Connor, Hockley and Rosemount where more than 400 homes and businesses now have access to broadband Internet service. When this fibre-optic network project is completed in March 2022, more than 1,200 homes and businesses will have high-speed Internet access, says the government’s press release.
These broadband upgrades in Simcoe County were initially announced by SWIFT in December 2020. The Internet service providers awarded contracts for these projects include Bell Canada, Cogeco Connexion, Vianet and Rogers Communications, which are also contributing financially to the projects.
“SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, announced a combined investment of $41.1 million to deliver high-speed Internet to more than 12,700 underserved homes and businesses throughout Simcoe County,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT board chair, in the Ontario government’s press release. “As we respond to the need for greater connectivity across our region, today’s announcement marks a major step forward in making broadband more accessible for students, families, and businesses throughout Simcoe County.”
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