LONDON – Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) announced it has granted $5.3 million in funding to expand fibre-optic broadband in Oxford County.
Seven projects will bring high speed internet to 1,670 homes and businesses within the townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford and Zorra.
In total the county will receive $9.9 million in broadband upgrades, thanks to $4.6 million in contributions from the three internet service providers who will be doing the construction.
SWIFT has signed an agreement with Quadro Communications to deploy fibre along more than 106 kilometres of roadway within the Township of Zorra to deliver high-speed internet to 326 businesses and homes. Construction of the $5.2 million fibre-to-the-home solution is expected to be completed by late-2022.
“This project when completed will provide the services needed for today and will future proof these customers as requirements change. Quadro is dedicated to continuing our mission by enriching our customers experience with personal service and innovative products,” said John H. DeHeer, general manager, Quadro Communications, in the SWIFT release.
Rogers Communications will receive funding to deploy fibre along more than 15 kilometres of roads in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim. The $1.5 million fibre-to-the-home network will deliver high-speed connectivity to 484 households and businesses by early-2022.
“Having lived in both St. Catharines and London for 14 years, I understand the need to ensure that local communities have dependable internet service and we are committed to continuing to bring our services to residents across Southwestern Ontario,” added Philippe Oille, Rogers’s president of its southwestern Ontario region.
Execulink Telecom has also been awarded funding to support five fibre-to-the-home projects which will collectively service 68 kilometres of roads throughout the County to bring high-speed internet to 860 homes and businesses within the Townships of East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford and Zorra. The projects represent a collective total investment of approximately $3.2 million and will be completed with service available between mid-to-late 2022, says SWIFT.
“At Execulink, we’re proud to provide the awesome telecom experience our local communities deserve and are grateful to SWIFT for allowing us to expand and enhance the experience for our customers,” said Ian Stevens, president and CEO of Execulink.
