(Dufferin County, ON) August 1, 2023 – SWIFT is pleased to report that more than 960 previously underserved homes and businesses in Dufferin County and Caledon now have access to high-speed internet, as the regional broadband expansion program marks construction complete on two fibre-optic projects.
“We’re pleased to work with local internet service providers EH!Tel Networks and North Frontenac Telephone Corporation (NFTC) in our efforts to expand broadband connectivity in both Dufferin County and Caledon,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “With the completion of these two high-speed projects, the newly installed broadband networks not only bring enhanced online experiences and expand digital possibilities for residents but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth within the region.”
“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 the Town of Caledon and Dufferin 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.”
“I am pleased to see this ongoing investment for high-speed internet service in Dufferin-Caledon,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “Reliable internet is so important for our rural communities to keep businesses, schools and families connected.”
As part of SWIFT’s Southwestern Ontario broadband expansion plan, EH!Tel Networks has successfully completed the construction of a high-speed fibre-optic network to bring greater connectivity to the Townships of Melancthon and Mulmur.
Servicing more than 58-kilometres of roadway, the newly established fibre-optic network is now providing 665 previously underserved homes and businesses in the communities of Redickville, Honeywood, Black Bank, Ruskview, Terra Nova, Kilgorie, Horning’s Mills, Whitfield and Springwater Lakes with access to high-speed internet service.
Residents located within the SWIFT funded project area that are interested in subscribing to the newly available service can now sign up with EH!Tel Networks by calling 519.594.0946 to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
“Improving broadband connectivity is a key goal of Dufferin County’s Strategic Plan, and we can best deliver on this by continuing to collaborate with our partners at SWIFT, the provincial and federal governments and local internet service providers. We are thrilled that additional previously underserved homes and businesses in Dufferin County now have access to high-speed internet. In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that everyone can stay connected and access online services, and that businesses can utilize the improved economic opportunities that connectivity allows,” said Warden Wade Mills, Dufferin County.
In addition, NFTC has completed the build-out of a 29-kilometre fibre-optic network to provide more than 295 homes and businesses in the community of The Grange and areas in Caledon North between the communities of Belfountain, Inglewood and Boston Mills, as well as Tamarac Estates, with access to high-speed connectivity.
To subscribe to the newly available high-speed internet service, residents located in the SWIFT funded project area in Caledon can contact NFTC directly at 1.888.638.3575 to schedule an installation of service to their homes and businesses.
“I am thrilled that, thanks to SWIFT, more than 295 homes in Caledon now have access to high-speed internet. This is another step towards securing reliable, high-speed internet for all Caledon residents,” said Mayor Annette Groves, Town of Caledon.
For more information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca.
Quotes:
“Through team work, collaborations and partnerships, EH!Tel Networks continues to level the playing field between rural and urban communities, by building fibre networks delivering ultra-fast high speed internet service”.
– Antonius Peeters, Chief Executive Officer, EH!tel Networks
“NFTC has been providing telecommunication services to rural areas for over 70 years. We are proud to be able to continue this commitment in partnership with SWIFT to bring state of the art fibre optic connectivity to residents in Caledon.”
– Grant Roughley, Vice President, NFTC
Quick Facts:
- SWIFT in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors has committed a combined investment of $16.8 million to bring high-speed internet service to over 3,000 underserved homes and businesses throughout the Caledon and Dufferin 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 22 projects in the construction phase and 75 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
