NORFOLK COUNTY – Rogers Communications, in partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), has officially begun to build a fibre network that will service 71 kilometres of underserved roads in Norfolk County, just southwest of Hamilton.
The project is meant to improve broadband access to over 2,100 homes in and around Wilsonville, Boston, Bealton, Dundurn, Waterford, Townsend Centre, Villa Nova, Bloomsburg and several rural roads between and surrounding these communities, says the SWIFT press release.,
The $7.6 million project is expected to be completed, with services available by mid-2021.
“In a time when access to high-speed internet is critical, we are pleased to be working with our community leaders and private sector investors to provide better broadband services that will help businesses continue to grow and communities to thrive,” said SWIFT board chair and Oxford County councilor, David Mayberry.
“This is truly a big day for those who have long waited to fully take part in the wide range of activities modern digital tools have enabled,” added Norfolk Mayor Kristal Chopp in the release.
Today’s announcement is part of SWIFT’s $35 million pilot project that aims to bring better broadband access to approximately 10,700 underserved homes and businesses across the counties of Norfolk, Lambton and Wellington by December 2021.
Additional projects are also currently underway as a direct result of SWIFT’s pilot project, with many more anticipated to begin construction over the upcoming months. See chart below.
SWIFT is currently overseeing a $209 million Southwestern Ontario broadband expansion plan that will connect 22% of the region’s underserved premises over the next three years.
