(Waterloo Region, ON) September 25, 2023– SWIFT today announced the successful completion of two high-speed internet projects in the Region of Waterloo. Collectively the newly installed fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks are providing more than 865 previously underserved homes and businesses with access to fast, reliable internet connectivity.
“Access to a strong reliable internet connection is essential in today’s hyper-connected digital world,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “With the completion of these high-speed broadband projects in the Region of Waterloo, the newly established infrastructure will provide significant benefits to residents and local businesses, including improved access to online services, greater digital opportunities, and increased economic growth within the region. We’re grateful for the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in bringing these projects to completion and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the region for years to come.”
As part of SWIFT’s Southwestern Ontario broadband expansion plan, North Frontenac Telephone Company (NFTC) has completed the construction of two high-speed fibre-optic projects to bring greater connectivity to the Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley, and Wilmot. In total more than 134 kilometres of fibre cabling was laid to provide more residents living and working in the communities of Dorking, Macton, North Woolwich, Josephburg, Erbsville and between the communities of Maryhill and Kossuth with access to high-speed internet service.
“Ontario 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 Waterloo Region, 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.”
“By expanding broadband access, we’re positioning rural communities in Waterloo area for further growth and prosperity,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “I’m confident that this investment will have long-lasting economic benefits in the region, and I look forward to seeing how it improves the quality of life for our rural residents.”
Residents located within the SWIFT funded project areas that are interested in subscribing to high-speed internet can now sign up with NFTC to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
To learn more about NFTC’s high-speed internet services, please visit www.nftctelecom.com or call 1.888.638.3575.
The completion of these projects is part of SWIFT’s $270 million regional broadband expansion plan, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to nearly 64,000 homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario.
In total, through the SWIFT initiative, more than 1,360 homes and businesses in the Region of Waterloo have been provided with access to high-speed connectivity, enabling more residents to enjoy and benefit from fast reliable internet service.
For additional information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, please 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 $11.9 million to bring high-speed internet service to over more than 1,360 underserved homes and businesses in the Region of Waterloo.
- 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 14 projects in the construction phase and 83 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
