In addition to this construction progress, broadband expansion has now been completed in the communities of Penville, Rich Hill, Connor, Hockley and Rosemont with more than 400 homes and businesses now able to access fast, reliable broadband internet service. This fibre-optic network will bring high-speed internet access to more than 1,200 homes and businesses when construction is completed in March 2022.
“The past year has served as proof that reliable and accessible high-speed internet is imperative, and a major factor in our daily lives. From supporting our education system to our livelihoods, families in our communities need internet access they can rely on,” said Doug Downey, MPP For Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “It is a tremendous step forward for these communities as these projects come to our region. I know this issue has been a high priority for many people; this will bring relief to many families.”
“Having a reliable internet connection will help boost the economic prosperity of our communities and region,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie – Innisfil. “We have a very talented workforce who need to connect to other markets from their homes. This broadband announcement will help create the right environment for job creation and the economy well into the future.”
“The necessity of improved broadband access is vital for our schools, hospitals, businesses and more to be successful in today’s world,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North. “The SWIFT program offers a valuable partnership to provide availability of reliable, fast internet in rural and urban communities like those of Simcoe North to keep us better connected and allowing for continued social and economic growth.”
The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Simcoe 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.
“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. “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.”
Efforts continue to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined public and private sector investment of more than $255 million to bring fast, reliable and affordable internet to tens of 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