SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) took a leap forward on Jan. 3 with the launch of its first in a series of upcoming request for proposals (RFP).
The RFP outlines a complete list of deliverables and requirements for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of an ultra-high speed, open access, fibre optic backbone network for southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region.
In May, SWIFT issued a request for prequalification (RFPQ) whereby 28 telecom service providers (TSPs) were pre-qualified and became eligible, as potential proponents, to participate in the SWIFT RFP processes.
The final list of prequalified TSPs was released in July. The Jan. 3 RFP was issued to all 28 prequalified providers.
TSPs successfully demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum technical and financial capacity requirements will be eligible to continue participating in the RFP process and will be expected to respond with competitive proposals prior to the closing time.
SWIFT anticipates selecting the preferred proponent(s) in the spring of 2018, with construction of the network commencing mid 2018.
Providers, who did not participate or were unsuccessful in the RFPQ process, yet have an interest in contributing to the RFP submission are encouraged to partner with one of the prequalified TSPs to participate further in this RFP process.
“This is a very exciting time for SWIFT,” said board chair Gerry Marshall.
“We are moving into the next phase of our project and moving one step closer toward realizing our goal of building broadband for every farm, home and business in southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region.”
Geoff Hogan, CEO at SWIFT, said, “All of Ontario’s communities require equal access to the technological advances that broadband enables. Creating a fully integrated, fibre optic broadband network is the key to growing our communities and unlocking Ontario’s economic potential.”
SWIFT is a not-for-profit, collective. Membership is open to any community or organization in southwestern Ontario that needs connectivity to any of its locations.
