Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced on Tuesday it plans to spend up to $24 million to expand high speed internet in Rural Ontario.
Back in July 2021, the federal government and Ontario announced it would bring high speed internet to 280,000 rural homes with a joint investment of $1.2 billion.
Today’s announcement earmarks up to $24 million in joint funding to expand high speed internet to 1,180 rural homes in areas near Brooke-Alvinston, Inwood, Oakdale, Oil City, Oil Springs, Pelee Island, Wheatley Harbour, Elmdale, rural areas near Tilbury, Birr, Clandeboye, Denfield and Lucan.
At a cost of up to $24 million for 1,180 homes, that works out to $20,338 per household.
The high speed internet services will be implemented by Brooks Bay Cable Corporation, Quadro Communications and Gosfield North Communication.
“The government has a comprehensive plan to help connect every Ontarian with access to reliable high-speed Internet by the end of 2025. No one will be left behind. By working together with our federal partners and Internet service providers, we are expanding access to high-speed Internet to more communities across the province — including in Southwestern Ontario — so everyone can access critical health services, learn, work, start a business, and connect with their loved ones—all online,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure for the Province of Ontario.
The federal government wants to have 98% of the Canadian population to have high speed internet by 2026 and 100% by 2030.
