Yesterday, Finance Minister Vic Fedeli delivered the Ontario 2019 Budget: “Protecting What Matters Most”. The provincial budget addressed the importance of digital connectivity in fostering economic growth, as the government announced its plan to invest $315 million over the next five years to ensure communities across Ontario have access to critical broadband and cellular connectivity.
The newly announced Broadband and Cellular Strategy will focus on improving broadband services to underserved areas across Ontario and will support the province’s digital-first approach to improving online government services. Full details of the Broadband and Cellular Strategy will be released later this year.
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc. (SWIFT) applauds the Government of Ontario for taking steps to address the province’s connectivity needs and its commitment to the delivery of greater access to broadband services across Ontario.
“We are pleased to see the commitment from the Ontario government as bandwidth-intensive technology is transforming the way we live, work and entertain ourselves and is central to economic and social equality,” said David Mayberry SWIFT’s Board Chair. “Investment in broadband infrastructure is critical to ensuring all Ontarians, regardless of their geographic location, have equal access to information, education, healthcare and job opportunities.”
SWIFT will continue to work with all levels of government and other stakeholder groups to maximize broadband infrastructure investments in Southwestern Ontario.
SWIFT, a non-profit regional broadband project, was initiated by the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) to subsidize the construction of an open-access, high-speed fibre optic broadband network in Southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region.
The project’s approach strives towards the overarching goals of narrowing the digital divide and making small-town Ontario more competitive in the information economy.
For more information about SWIFT, please contact:
Media Relations
Melissa O’Brien
Communications Manager
[email protected]
