(Norfolk County, ON) August 30, 2024– SWIFT is pleased to announce the successful completion of several high-speed internet projects in Norfolk County, representing a pivotal achievement in the area’s digital infrastructure advancement.
With a combined investment of $12.1 million, SWIFT, in partnership with the municipality and local service providers, has extended high-speed internet service to 3,947 homes and businesses that previously lacked access. These network expansion projects promise significant benefits, including enhanced educational opportunities, better healthcare access, and increased potential for remote work for residents and businesses throughout Norfolk County.
“Access to high-speed connectivity is not just about technology, it’s about empowering communities and unlocking their full potential. With the completion of these high-speed internet projects in Norfolk County, we’re not only connecting homes and businesses, we’re connecting people to opportunities and to each other,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “None of this would have been possible without the support from the governments of Ontario and Canada and our municipal partners. Together, we’re making strides towards a future where everyone has equal access to the opportunities that high-speed internet connectivity brings.”
“This milestone marks an incredible step forward in connecting our community, ensuring that our businesses, families, and farms have the competitive advantage they need to thrive in today’s digital age. While we celebrate this achievement, our work is far from done. Norfolk County remains committed to supporting projects that bring high-speed broadband to every urban and rural home and business, driving economic development and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents,” Norfolk Mayor, Amy Martin.
Key highlights of the completed projects include:
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- Fibre-to-the-Home Projects with Execulink Telecom: Execulink Telecom has successfully completed three SWIFT funded fibre-to-the-home projects in Norfolk County, expanding service along more than 57 kilometres of underserved roadway. These projects have provided high-speed internet access to 1,832 homes and businesses across various communities, including Normandale, Turkey Point, Old Cut, and Long Point, including along the Causeway.
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- Rogers Communication Fibre-Optic Project: SWIFT has partnered with Rogers Communications to deploy fibre cabling along 70 kilometres of underserved roadway throughout the communities of Boston, Bealton, Dundurn, Waterford, Townsend Centre, Villa Nova and Bloomsburg. This fibre-to-the-home network buildout has extended high-speed internet access to 2,115 businesses and homes, fostering economic.
These completed projects represent a significant investment in digital infrastructure and underscore SWIFT’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, promoting economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses in Norfolk County and surrounding areas.
For additional information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, please visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca.
Quick Facts:
- Norfolk County benefited from a total of $12.1 million in broadband upgrades, with over $6.6 million contributed by service providers, as part of the SWIFT program.
- Through SWIFT’s $273 million regional broadband expansion plan, nearly 67,000 previously underserved homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario will be provided with access to high-speed internet service, including 3,947 homes and businesses in Norfolk County.
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
