Ontario government committed to improving access to high-speed Internet
Posted Aug 6, 2022 08:30:00 PM.
More Ontarians should have high-speed Internet access by the end of 2025.
The province has committed nearly $4 billion and signed agreements with eight internet service providers — selected through a two-stage competitive process — to bring access to up to 339 municipalities.
“Our government is ensuring every community in Ontario has access to reliable high-speed Internet,” said Kinga Surma, minister of infrastructure, in a press release.
“We are making tremendous progress towards building a stronger Ontario, where everyone will have access to health services, be able to work and learn online, participate in the agriculture sector, while also helping to create jobs and invest in the future of our province, today and for generations to come,” Surma said.
Michael Lindsay, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Infrastructure Ontario, said the competitive process is the first of its kind in Canada and has led to an unprecedented market response and commitment to delivering high-speed Internet connections to underserved communities.
“We at Infrastructure Ontario are proud to help create a connected, modern and competitive Ontario,” he said.
The provincial government is providing $483.8 million for Bell Internet access to places including Carleton Place, Bonnechere Valley, Greater Madawaska, Madawaska Valley, Mississippi Mills and Renfrew, while Cogeco Connexion is to receive $74.3 million to provide Internet access to areas such as Pembroke and Petawawa. Rogers Communications will receive $171 million to provide Internet access to areas including Arnprior, Bonnechere Valley, Casselman, Clarence-Rockland, Cornwall, Ottawa, Renfrew, Russell, South Glengarry and South Stormont.
The remaining eight providers include Bragg Communications, Community Network Partners, Eh!tel Networks Inc., North Frontenac Telephone Company and Xplornet Communications Inc.
