Accessible High-Speed Internet Now Available for Rural Oxford

Wednesday, 1 March 2023 11:02

The Federal and Provincial governments are investing $3.4 million into the county to provide improved internet access.

OXFORD COUNTY - Canada and Ontario are increasing high-speed internet access in Oxford County.

The Federal and Provincial governments are investing $3.4 million into the county to provide improved access to essential online services for years to come. Each government has also contributed $63 million to Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to help expand broadband infrastructure and ensure access to internet service.

The contracts to expand services in Oxford County were awarded by SWIFT.

Fairview, Maplewood, Brooksdale, Youngesville, Bennington, Braemar, Hickson, Strathallan, Huntingford and Willow Lake communities we all part of this round of upgrades. Projects in Salford, Hagles Corners, Foldens, Curries, Culloden, Delmer and Ostrander were completed during the last upgrade.

Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair agreed that access to the internet strengthens economic growth.

"Connectivity is key to empowering businesses, strengthening local economies and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth across our region"

Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs says that the change is important for rural communities to stay connected.

"By building new broadband infrastructure in Oxford County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access the supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy."

In 2021 the Government announced the historic agreement to bring high-speed internet access across Ontario.

Since then, more than $255 million has been invested to try and achieve the goal to bring high-speed internet access to 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario by the end of 2023.