(Middlesex County, ON) June 7, 2023 – SWIFT, in partnership with Quadro Communications, is pleased to announce the completion of construction of a high-speed fibre-optic network in the community of Ballymote in Middlesex County. With the newly installed network in-service more than 110 previously underserved homes and businesses throughout the community now have access to reliable high-speed fibre-optic connectivity.
“We’re pleased to announce the completion of the high-speed fibre-optic network in Ballymote,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “This project is a testament to our commitment to connect rural underserved communities and provide them with the essential infrastructure needed to thrive in the digital world. We’d like to thank our partner Quadro Communication for their dedication and expertise in successfully delivering on this important high-speed internet project, which will bring about positive social and economic changes to the region.”
Through funding awarded by SWIFT, Quadro Communication successfully executed the construction of an 11-kilometre network, extending throughout the community of Ballymote and surrounding rural areas. The network’s main fibre route spans sections of Medway Road and Highbury Avenue North, ensuring efficient connectivity for the residents and businesses within the project’s footprint.
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Middlesex County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
“Our government continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By building new broadband infrastructure in Middlesex County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access the supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
“We are thrilled to see this development and progress in Middlesex County. This project completion provides improved connectivity to over 110 homes and businesses that were previously underserved in Ballymote and the surrounding area. The implementation of a high-speed fibre network not only brings increased access to the internet but also delivers enhanced speed and reliability, allowing residents and businesses alike to fully leverage the power of the digital age. I would like to thank SWIFT and everyone involved for their continued support for the rural and small urban communities of Middlesex County,” said Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Warden, Middlesex County.
Residents located within the SWIFT funded project area that are interested in subscribing to the newly available service can now sign up with Quadro Communications to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
“Quadro Communication in conjunction with Weber Contracting partnered to deliver another successful fibre project in the Ballymote and surrounding area. Many thanks to SWIFT for continuing to band together with Internet Service Providers to be able produce high speed internet to rural areas in which have been deprived for decades. It was our pleasure working with SWIFT on this project,” said Jason Masselis, Construction Manager, Quadro Communications.
To learn more about Quadro Communication’s high-speed internet services, please visit www.quadro.net or call 1.800.265.4983
For more information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca.
Quick Facts:
- SWIFT in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors has committed a combined investment of $13.1 million to bring high-speed internet service to 1,808 underserved homes and businesses throughout Middlesex County.
- In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring over 64,000 homes and businesses across the region access to high-speed internet service. Local projects are underway, with 25 projects in the construction phase and 72 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
