Ultra-High Speed Internet Coming to 300 Communities in Southwestern Ontario

The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing up to $180 million to help bring ultra-high speed internet to homes and businesses in southwestern Ontario.

Canada and Ontario will each provide up to $90 million towards the total project cost of approximately $281 million. This investment is part of the new Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project, which will expand access to broadband by delivering fibre optic coverage to over 300 communities with a total population of 3.5 million -- spanning counties and municipalities in southwestern Ontario, as well as Caledon and Niagara.

The project will help southwestern Ontario communities and businesses better compete in global markets, attract new jobs and improve quality of life. It will also allow individuals to use online resources to gain skills and experience.

Expanding high-speed internet access is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.