(Oxford, ON) December 9, 2021– SWIFT is pleased to announce Rogers Communications has begun construction of a high-speed fibre-optic network within the Township of Blandford-Blenheim to bring improved broadband service to 484 underserved households and businesses within Oxford County.
“We’re proud to partner with Rogers Communications in our efforts to further expand broadband service in Oxford County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “With the construction of the fibre-optic network now underway many more residents living in the communities of Drumbo and Gobles will soon benefit from having access to fast, reliable internet connectivity that will offer greater opportunities to connect, engage in online learning and work remotely.”
“Broadband expansion is good news for families, farms and businesses in the communities of Drumbo and Gobles,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for Ontarians in our digital world as families and businesses in these communities need high-speed internet to do their schoolwork, run a business or stay connected with family. Broadband internet is critical infrastructure that benefits the whole community and we’re delivering it to every corner in Ontario.”
The $1.5 million broadband project will service 15 kilometres of roadway with fibre-optic cabling to provide more homes and businesses within the communities of Drumbo and Gobles, as well as the area along Oxford Road 3 between Drumbo and Princeton with access to high-speed internet.
“The need for reliable high-speed internet access has never been greater than it is today. As our residents continue to work and learn from home, we must take steps to improve interconnectivity across Oxford County, especially in rural areas. We appreciate the efforts of our partners at SWIFT to support the online needs of our families and businesses,” said Oxford County Warden Larry Martin.
“I am happy to report that our teams, in partnership with SWIFT, began construction in Drumbo and Gobles,” said Philippe Oille, President of Southwestern Ontario Region, Rogers Communications. “This brings us one step closer to being able to deliver high-speed internet and Rogers Ignite services to residents and businesses in the community. The past two years have shown us how critical access to reliable broadband is to our daily lives and Rogers is committed to doing its part to close the digital divide.”
Construction of the new high-speed network is forecasted to be completed with service fully available to all residents within the SWIFT funded project area by April 2022.
To learn more, please visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca
Additional Information:
Quick Facts:
- Together with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors, SWIFT will deliver a combined broadband infrastructure investment of $10 million to bring high-speed internet to more than 1,705 underserved homes and businesses within Oxford County.
- In total, SWIFT has awarded 96 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring more than 63,000 homes and businesses across the region improved access to high-speed internet. Local projects are underway, with 53 projects in the construction phase and 9 projects completed.
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
