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905-775-5366 x1310 ecdev@townofbwg.com

Broadband

Broadband image

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND BROADBAND

The Town of Bradford’s Office of Economic Development (OED) recognizes that rapid, reliable Internet access is critical to both households and businesses. Pursuant to this, the OED has been actively pursing opportunities to partner with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and applying for grants from senior levels of government to help facilitate the expansion of broadband technology throughout the community.

Updates as of March 2023

CENGN

In January 2021, the Office of Economic Development successfully submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to become a host community for expanded broadband Internet service through Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN).

On March 22, 2021, CENGN announced a partnership with Rogers Communications for the development of broadband in the Holland Marsh, to include both BWG and neighbouring King Township.

This project promises several benefits, including:

  • 10Gbps High-Speed Backhaul Capacity for the network.
  • A high-performance 5G wireless distribution network.
  • Small footprint monopole towers.
  • Improved 25/5 and 50/10 Mbps internet access services for residents.
  • Connection of up to 400 farms and homes.
  • Fast network deployment timeframe, with installation starting in 2021 and expected completion in early 2022.

Resources:

March 2023: CENGN has added 25 Mb service to areas of the Holland Marsh without Internet Access. A total of 17 farms have been added since the introduction of the service. Residents who wish to determine available service can use the following evaluation tool:

SWIFT

Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), a regional broadband expansion project initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and delivered in partnership with member municipalities and the government of Ontario and Canada, is committed to improving access to high-speed internet services across Southwestern Ontario.

Focused on enabling greater digital equality between rural and urban populations, SWIFT subsidizes the construction of open-access high-speed networks to encourage service providers to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved rural areas.

On December 11, 2020, SWIFT signed an agreement with Vianet to deploy fibre cabling along more than 73 kilometres of underserved roadway throughout the Towns of New Tecumseth and Bradford West Gwillimbury and within the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio to deliver high-speed internet to 1,207 businesses and homes.

Construction of the $5.8 million fibre-to-the-home solution is expected to be completed with service available in 2023.

Vianet recently completed sections of the SWIFT project that is within BWG and have been connecting customers to fibre over the past two months in sections of Arthur Evans Court and 9th Line, as well as areas of Leonard Road, and some sections just north of the Holland Marsh on the west side of the 400.

March 2023: Vianet was the successful applicant for $18.6 million in SWIFT funding for six broadband installation projects in Simcoe County. The $40.5 million project will bring high-speed Internet to 12,734 homes and businesses. The first two projects have been completed, connecting 1,647 homes and businesses to high-speed Internet. The remaining four projects are in-progress, with all expecting to be completed in October 2023. More information is available here.

VIANET

March 2023: Vianet’ s broadband installation project in Simcoe County has included 65 km of new fibre in BWB, connecting 750 new homes and businesses.

BELL

March 2023: Bell has installed 130 km of fibre to homes and businesses in BWG. The expanded infrastructure has increased the range of high-speed Internet to 10,770 homes (81% coverage), with another 700 homes to be added by the end of 2023 (85% coverage). Bell has also increased its wireless high-speed Internet service to 1,000 rural homes and businesses with no access to fibre.

STARLINK

March 2023: Starlink satellite high-speed Internet service is now available in BWG, offering a service to areas that do not have fibre or other wireless services.

RESOURCES