SWIFT invests further $6.2 million into improving internet services in Caledon

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Southwestern Ontario Integrated Fibre Technology, also known as SWIFT, is investing a total of $6.2 million in high-speed fibre option broadband for the Town of Caledon. 

Several communities in Caledon will be receiving improved broadband as a result of the investment, such as Mount Wolfe, Albion, Centreville Creek and The Grange.

“Access to high-speed internet is key to our region's economic recovery and future prosperity,” said SWIFT, Board Chair, David Mayberry. “SWIFT is committed to furthering the expansion of high-speed services across our project region and today together with the Government of Ontario and Canada, we are proud to announce the construction of three fibre-to-the-home projects in the Town of Caledon. The newly announced high-speed networks will improve connectivity in underserved areas to advance the way residents and business owners connect and participate in today's digital society.” 

The investment will support and improve over 990 homes in ‘underserved households' in the Caledon community. 

Back in January, service telecommunications company Vianet, installed 35 kilometres of new fibre optic cable along the Caledon Trailway. Vianet once again is stepping in, by signing a contract with SWIFT.

Vianet has planned to install fibre cable more than 34 kilometres throughout the communities of Albion and Mount Wolfe which will bring improved internet access to 470 households. The $2.4 million project is planned to be completed by the end of 2022. 

Additionally, they will also be installing fibre cable along 26 kilometres in Mount Wolfe and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. 

“Vianet is extremely excited about this opportunity to bring high-speed fibre optic internet services to Caledon. This project will give the residents and businesses, in the project areas of rural Caledon, the fastest and most reliable internet available today,” said Director of Business Development at Vianet, Brian McCullagh. “This furthers Vianet's efforts to work together with funding agencies like SWIFT to build essential infrastructure for the future of smaller Ontario communities.”

The Grange community will be receiving fibre optic cable installing from North Frontenac Telephone Corporation (NFTC) along 16 kilometres of roadway for 150 premises by 2022.

Improving broadband in Caledon has been a priority for the Town of Caledon, and investments such as these help them accomplish their goal.

“The projects will address a number of our service gaps with the work to be completed by the end of 2022,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “I grealty appreciate the tremendous efforts and support from our partners at SWIFT and the Province of Ontario; I look forward to working with North Frontenac Telecommunications and once again with Vianet to bring us closer to our goal of a connected Caledon.”