The federal and provincial governments will each provide $90 million towards the total cost of approximately $281 million to provide high speed fibre optic technology throughout southwestern Ontario.
The Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project aims to expand access to broadband internet by delivering fibre optic coverage to over 350 communities with a total population of 3.5 million across western Ontario, as well as Caledon and Niagara.
Wellington County council agreed last year to provide $1-million over five years to the SWIFT plan, which was initiated by the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) and involves 14 counties and 10 separated municipalities.
“This project will bring critical broadband infrastructure to southwestern Ontario,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario minister of infrastructure.
“High-speed internet will connect people and businesses to the resources they need to compete in the global marketplace and strengthen our economy.”
SWIFT aims to connect the entire region with service ranging from one gigabit per second up to 100 Gbps, using a combination of public and private funding to address gaps in broadband infrastructure that are leaving some communities behind.
SWIFT will build on existing fibre to create a far-reaching regional fibre network, bringing fibre closer to customers and making it easier for internet service providers (ISP) to connect homes and businesses to ultra-high-speed internet.
The new funding will trigger private investment from ISPs, who will continue to own and operate their networks and deliver services directly to customers. All ISPs will have equal access to the fibre network, leveling the playing field and creating a more competitive marketplace that will better serve both urban and rural communities.
SWIFT officials say everyone in western Ontario deserves access to high-speed internet, regardless of the size of their community, their age, education, or where they work.
