(Lambton County, ON) June 16, 2023 – SWIFT announced today that Brooke Telecom has completed the construction of a fibre-optic network in Lambton County, providing more than 580 previously underserved homes and businesses with access to reliable high-speed connectivity. The network expansion is part of SWIFT’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable high-speed internet access to more communities in Southwestern Ontario.
“We’re pleased to announce the successful completion of the new high-speed fibre optic network in Lambton County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “Through our close partnership with Brooke Telecom and the generous support from Lambton County, this network expansion not only brings immediate benefits to the more than 580 previously underserved homes and businesses but also sets the stage for long-term economic and social advancements that will positively impact these communities and the region as a whole.”
Through the SWIFT initiative, Brooke Telecom was awarded funding to buildout the 150 kilometre fibre-optic network to bring high-speed connectivity to the communities of Wanstead, Rokeby, Walnut, Sutorville and surrounding rural areas.
Lambton County has also played a crucial role in this project by contributing $2.5 million to support the expansion of the high-speed fibre network.
“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 Lambton 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.”
“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 Lambton County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
“The completion of this project is wonderful news for residents and businesses throughout the communities of Wanstead, Rokeby, Walnut, and Sutorville,” said Kevin Marriott, Lambton County Warden. “This project provides broadband connectivity to hundreds of homes and businesses in the area and has made a significant impact on addressing the need for high-speed internet throughout the County. The demand continues to grow, and the County is thrilled to be a part of bringing these projects to life.”
Residents located within the SWIFT funded project area that are interested in subscribing to the newly available service can now sign up with Brooke Telecom to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses
“Without the assistance of the SWIFT initiative we would not have been able to build the 150 kilometres of fibre that services more than 580 premises in rural Lambton County within this project. The customers and co-op members that have received fibre internet services are very thankful to be able to continue to live, work and play in rural Lambton County without barriers to accessing the internet. These projects are critically important for the sustainability of rural communities in the future,” said Geoff Greening, General Manager, Brooke Telecom.
To learn more about Brooke Telecom’s high-speed internet services, visit www.brooketel.coop or call 1.877.844.2251.
In total, through the SWIFT initiative, more than 4,930 homes and businesses in Lambton County have been provided with access to fibre-optic connectivity, enabling more residents to enjoy and benefit from fast reliable internet service.
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 $20 million to bring high-speed internet service to 4,931 underserved homes and businesses throughout Lambton County and within Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
- 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
