(Oxford, ON) May 31, 2021 – SWIFT is pleased to announce work is now underway to bring improved broadband service to Oxford County as Quadro Communications breaks ground on the construction of a high-speed fibre-optic network to bring greater connectivity to more than 325 homes and businesses within the Township of Zorra.
“We are proud to be working with Quadro Communications to extend high-speed internet access along more than 100 kilometres of underserved roadway within Oxford County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “This fibre-optic project targets many rural homes and farms located along concession lines and sideroads surrounding the community of Brooksdale and is the first of seven SWIFT awarded projects in Oxford County to start construction.”
“The construction of broadband infrastructure in the Township of Zorra is underway, and more people in Oxford County will soon have access to fast, reliable internet service,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and MPP for Oxford. “This is an important step forward in our plan to support better educational opportunities, attract more businesses and create jobs in the county. Today’s announcement also builds on our government’s commitment to connect every community in Ontario to broadband internet by 2025.”
The $5.2 million fibre-optic project will deliver high-speed internet access to residents located in the northeast section of Zorra Township. Extending off the existing Quadro Communications network in Harrington and Lakeside, the newly funded fibre network will expand northeast to service rural areas north of Embro and is expected to be completed, with service fully available by December 2022.
“With more people working and learning from home than ever before, the need for reliable high-speed internet has never been greater. As construction begins in the Township of Zorra on the first of seven SWIFT-awarded projects, we are so grateful to the contractors and our partners at SWIFT for supporting the online needs of families and businesses in Oxford County,” said Larry Martin, Oxford County Warden.
“Quadro is pleased to have been awarded this funding from SWIFT, in the County of Oxford, for our Township of Zorra project. It has become imperative that all communities have access to reliable high-speed internet as evidenced by the need for internet services in today’s world. 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.
For more information on SWIFT funded projects, including construction completion dates, please visit our approved projects page to learn more.
Quick Facts:
- SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors, announced a combined investment of $10 million to deliver high-speed internet to 1,700 underserved homes and businesses throughout Oxford County.
Additional Information:
Oxford County Project Overview
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.
The project was approved for funding 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 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
