The Ontario government is investing more than $34 million to bring reliable high-speed internet access to more than 3,000 homes and businesses in hard to reach areas across southwestern Ontario.
In partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT,) the province is implementing third-party agreements with 12 Internet Service Providers to deliver high-speed internet projects to 14 communities and four First Nations communities.
“I know first-hand the importance of having access to the tools you need to participate in today’s local economy which includes high-speed internet,” said Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs and MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in a media release. “Through this agreement with SWIFT, I am proud that we are continuing our support for rural communities.”
“Access to high-speed internet is a crucial part of modern life, essential for connecting our communities and driving progress,” added Gary McNamara, Board Chair, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology. “This investment is a significant step toward closing the digital divide in our rural and small communities. By prioritizing equal access, especially in hard-to-reach areas, the Ontario government is demonstrating a strong commitment to bridging this gap.”
As of August 2024, Ontario has finalized agreements worth approximately $2.5 billion for over 270 projects to enable high-speed internet access and improved cellular connectivity across the province. Over 99,000 homes and business have been connected to high-speed internet to date, and about 450,000 additional premises will be connected by the end of 2025.
A new interactive online map shows where provincially funded high-speed internet projects are planned, currently under way or have been recently completed in communities across the province.