(Simcoe County, Ontario ) December 6, 2024 – SWIFT is pleased to announce the successful completion of four high-speed fibre-optic broadband projects through it’s SWIFT 1.0 initiative in Simcoe County, representing nearly $41 million in infrastructure investments. These initiatives have significantly enhanced connectivity in the region, enabling more than 12,590 previously underserved homes and businesses to access fast, reliable internet service.
“This significant investment of nearly $41 million in high-speed fibre-optic broadband infrastructure exemplifies a collective effort to bridge the digital divide in Simcoe County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “Reliable internet access is crucial for driving economic growth, enhancing education, and improving quality of life. This milestone underscores the power of collaboration between the governments of Ontario and Canada, local municipalities, and internet service providers. Together, we are making significant progress in connecting our communities and empowering residents and businesses with the connectivity they need to thrive.”
“Our continued partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is integral to closing the connectivity gaps impacting rural communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “By connecting over 12,500 more homes and businesses to high-speed internet through this investment, we are delivering access to vital online services and opportunities that will enable rural-based businesses to grow and succeed, as well as ensure families and friends also have connectivity, they can have confidence in.”
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to continue growing from strength to strength in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for the residents of Simcoe County that can now connect to essential services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.”
As part of the SWIFT 1.0 initiative, Bell Canada has successfully constructed three high-speed networks, representing nearly $39.3 million in infrastructure investment. This initiative involved laying 394 kilometres of fibre-optic cabling, significantly enhancing internet access for 12,110 homes and businesses across the Townships of Clearview, Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Tiny, Tay, Severn, and Ramara, as well as in the Towns of Midland, Penetanguishene, and Innisfil.
Additionally, Cogeco has successfully constructed a $1.5 million fibre-to-the-home network spanning 19 kilometres in the Township of Severn, bringing high-speed connectivity to 480 households and businesses in the community of Severn Bridge.
“This milestone announcement is terrific news for our rural residents, businesses and communities. The County of Simcoe has supported the SWIFT initiative since day one, with the goal of building up greater access to high-speed internet across our entire region. We thank the Federal and Provincial Governments, the SWIFT Board and our private sector partners for making Simcoe County more connected,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke.
Residents in the SWIFT funded project areas can now contact the service providers to subscribe to the newly available high-speed service and schedule an installation.
The completion of these projects are part of the SWIFT 1.0 regional broadband expansion plan, which has provided high-speed internet access to nearly 67,000 homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario.
For additional information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, please visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca.
Quotes:
“We’re proud of our partnership with SWIFT and the provincial government to expand access to high-speed internet to over 12,000 homes and businesses in Simcoe County. Through partnerships like this, Bell continues to deliver on our purpose of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”
– Mark McDonald, SVP Network, Bell Canada
“Cogeco is proud to be part of this significant project, which plays a key role in providing high-speed internet access to the residents of the Municipality of Severn. This marks an important step forward in our ongoing mission to ensure that everyone has access to the connectivity they deserve.”
– Nicolle Plenderleith, Vice President of Sales, Cogeco
Quick Facts:
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- SWIFT in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors has committed a combined investment of $47.7 million to bring high-speed internet service to 14,237 underserved homes and businesses in the Simcoe County.
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- Through 97 contracts and an investment of $273 million in broadband infrastructure, the SWIFT 1.0 program has successfully delivered high-speed internet access to nearly 67,000 households and businesses across Southwestern Ontario.
About SWIFT
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is a non-profit regional broadband project initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to subsidize the construction of high-speed broadband networks across Southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region.
The project was approved for funding up to $127.4 million under the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund (NBCF-SCF), a joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding program, and leverages additional funding from municipal partners and private sector investors to bring improve access to broadband services across the region.
Media Contact:
Melissa O’Brien
[email protected]
Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology
226.256.1640
