Xplore on Tuesday announced it has connected its first fibre internet customers in Newfoundland and Labrador, marking the next phase of its $181-million fibre network expansion across the province.
Xplore said its technicians have started installing customers on the new fibre network, which will bring high-speed connectivity to 27,785 households and businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador once the project is completed, according to an Xplore press release.
This multi-year project is supported by a combined investment of $92 million from the federal and provincial governments, announced one year ago. The federal funding is coming via the Universal Broadband Fund.
“These first fibre customer connections mark an important milestone for Xplore and for Newfoundland and Labrador,” Brent Johnston, CEO of Xplore, said in the company’s press release. “These fibre installations represent the beginning of a transformative network build that will connect more than 27,000 underserved households across the province, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, students, and communities to fully participate in the digital economy while enhancing Canada’s digital sovereignty.”
The advanced broadband infrastructure will support everything from remote work and online learning to streaming, e-commerce and digital healthcare services, Xplore said.
“In addition to expanding connectivity, the project is delivering economic benefits across the province through the creation of jobs during network construction and through ongoing employment opportunities for Xplore technicians and support,” Xplore’s press release said.
Xplore’s fibre expansion in Newfoundland and Labrador follows its rural fibre and 5G advancements across Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.
