SWIFT announces construction on two broadband projects
Regional internet provider SWIFT has announced the start of construction on two projects that will bring broadband service to more than 1,100 locations in Southwestern Ontario.
The projects, which are located throughout the municipalities of West Elgin, Dutton Dunwich and Southwold, are part of SWIFT’s $268-million regional broadband expansion plan that will bring high-speed internet service to more than 63,000 homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario.
North Frontenac Telephone Corporation began construction earlier this year to bring improved high-speed internet access to 742 homes and businesses in the western section of Elgin County in the municipalities of West Elgin and Dutton Dunwich.
Through a combination of both fibre and wireless technologies, the project will significantly expand broadband access to many more residents located within the communities of Tyrconnell, Duttona Beach, New Glasgow, Churchville and Port Glasgow.
Meanwhile, EH!tel Networks, has also broken ground on a fibre-optic network to expand broadband service throughout the municipalities of Southwold and Dutton Dunwich.
Once complete, the fibre-to-the-home network will provide an additional 390 homes and businesses within the communities of Iona, Iona Station, Lawrence Station and Southwold with access to high-speed connectivity.
“SWIFT is proud to partner with North Frontenac Telephone Corporation and EH!tel Networks on these very important projects as we continue our efforts to expand broadband service throughout Elgin County and across Southwestern Ontario,” said SWIFT executive director Barry Field. “With construction of the broadband infrastructure now underway to service more than 1,100 homes and businesses, access to high-speed connectivity will soon be a reality for many more residents living and working in Elgin County.”
The work is valued at a total of $6.1 million, which is being jointly funded by SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors.
In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring more than 63,000 homes and businesses across the region improved access to high-speed internet. Local projects are underway, including 51 projects in the construction phase and 40 projects completed.
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. It has been granted more than $127 million in funding from a joint federal and provincial infrastructure program to improve access to broadband services across the region.