Ontario Improving Internet and Cellphone Service in Rural Communities

Families and businesses in rural communities can expect better cellphone service and high-speed internet following our government’s commitment to invest $315 million to improve and expand service. Dufferin-Caledon is no exception when it comes to barriers to accessing cellphone service.

Our government’s plan is expected to generate up to $1 billion in total investment over five years. This will result in up to 220,000 homes and businesses, helping people stay connected. We are going to get shovels in the ground and get the right infrastructure built to better serve our communities. The plan will include a $150 million investment for a new broadband fund, which will leverage private sector funding as well as support from other levels of government. This will increase investment and drive expansion to underserved communities.

Ontario is supporting the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project in Southwestern Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the Town of Caledon, committing up to $63.7 million in funding toward SWIFT’s total project costs of more than $190 million. SWIFT is focused on the construction of a high-speed broadband network in Caledon, Southwestern Ontario, and the Niagara Region. Dufferin County, from 2015 to 2018 invested $536,000 into SWIFT and created a $2 million broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed internet.

To help residents who need access to high-speed internet, the Town of Caledon has public Wi-Fi available at all branches of the library, recreation centres, and at Town Hall. The Town of Mono created an internet service task force to study internet service in the rural community. It also established an internet center at Town Hall that can be booked to access free high-speed internet.

Groups like the Dufferin Board of Trade and local leaders like Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson and Mono Mayor Laura Ryan have been calling for investments in the SWIFT program for many years. Their advocacy is one of the reasons I am so proud to see our government move forward with this important announcement.

If you have any questions about the improvements to internet and cellphone service in rural communities, please call my office at 1-800-265-1603 or visit www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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