TORONTO — The Ontario government is bringing high-speed internet access to up to 266,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses, marking another milestone in its plan to help connect every corner of the province by the end of 2025.
“Our government is ensuring every community in Ontario has access to reliable high-speed internet,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “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.”
The province has signed agreements with eight internet service providers to bring access to as many as 339 municipalities across Ontario. The internet service providers were selected through a two-stage competitive process and are part of Ontario’s historic investment of nearly $4 billion to bring access to reliable high-speed internet across the province.
“This competitive process is the first of its kind in Canada and has led to an unprecedented market response and commitment to deliver high-speed internet connections to communities that have been left underserved until now,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario. “We at Infrastructure Ontario are proud to help create a connected, modern and competitive Ontario.”
The government has a plan to build Ontario’s future with shovels in the ground for highways, hospitals, housing and high-speed internet infrastructure. Ontario’s high-speed internet initiatives will help ensure that every home and business, in every community, can participate in today’s economy. It will also help create the conditions for economic and fiscal growth, while protecting progress made.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government has committed over $950 million to nearly 190 broadband, cellular and satellite projects to date, bringing faster internet access to over 375,000 homes and businesses across the province, and significantly improving cellular connectivity throughout Eastern Ontario.
- In 2021, Ontario passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 to help speed up construction of broadband projects. To build upon this legislation, the Ontario government passed the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022 which further reduces barriers, duplication and delays.
- Expanding access to high-speed internet is part of Ontario Onwards: Ontario’s COVID-19 Action Plan for a People-Focused Government , which includes more than 30 projects that are changing the way people and businesses interact with government.
Quotes
“Our government has made access to high-speed internet a priority for rural Ontario, and we’re delivering on that commitment. Access to high-speed internet will help build Ontario and strengthen communities by helping families stay in touch, enabling them to access the supports they need, while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. It’s the type of critical infrastructure that will benefit the entire community.”
– Lisa Thompson
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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