(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / gunnar3000)(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / gunnar3000)
Midwestern

Province announces further expansion of high-speed internet

The provincial government has announced a further expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure.

As part of Ontario's $34 million investment to bring high-speed internet to more than 3,000 homes and businesses in southwestern Ontario, more high-speed internet infrastructure is coming to many different areas, including parts of Minto.

A media release from the province says that, in partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology or 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."

In total, the provincial government has promised to invest nearly $4 billion to help bring access to reliable high-speed internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025.

The release claims that this investment is the "largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history."

“Our government knows that high-speed internet access in today’s digital world isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. That is why we are bringing high-speed internet access to every community across Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are ensuring that the hardest to reach areas of our province have reliable high-speed internet so that everyone can access important information, including vital online health care services, learn from home and stay connected with loved ones.”

“Our continued partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is integral to connecting families and businesses throughout rural Ontario,” added Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs and MPP for Huron-Bruce. “By connecting more than 3000 homes and businesses through this investment, we are one step closer to delivering high-speed internet access to all corners of the province.”

"High-speed internet is a critical part of our everyday lives, whether it is for school or work. Our government will continue to make the investments needed to ensure our rural communities have access to high-speed internet and can participate in our growing economy," shared Perth-Wellington MPP, Matthew Rae.

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