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ELGIN COUNTY - Almost 1,400 residents and businesses of Elgin County are one step closer to fast, reliable internet access with the signing of three contracts for broadband infrastructure.

Both the Governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $2 million to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of Elgin County through an improved, modern broadband network.

Construction of the infrastructure network is expected to be up and running with service starting in September 2022. These projects are valued at $6.1 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses in underserved areas of the county.

The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Elgin County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. To date, more than 2,140 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have received access to improved broadband through SWIFT.

"High-speed Internet service is essential to the success of everyone living and working in rural Ontario," said the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. "Today's investment will bring reliable, high-speed Internet access to almost 1,400 homes and businesses in Elgin County, helping create jobs, improving access to health care and online learning services, and keeping people connected to their loved ones. Our government has committed over $205 million to 17 connectivity projects in Ontario, which will connect 19,657 more households to better, faster Internet. We will continue to make investments like these to help connect every Canadian to the high-speed Internet they need. Congratulations to all the partners involved in this project by SWIFT!"

"When rural communities thrive, Canada thrives," said Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. "Reliable broadband infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the success of all residents in Southwestern Ontario. This includes members of rural communities. Equality of opportunity is what is at stake and the federal government is committed - through collaboration on the SWIFT project - to making that outcome a reality for all Canadians."

"The construction of broadband infrastructure in Elgin County will help businesses to expand, create new jobs and connect more people to the services and information they need," said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Broadband connectivity provides our local businesses with access to a world of new online customers and provides rural residents with immediate access to friends and family members, as well as educational opportunities, health care, and a world of other services."

"This is incredible and timely news for the residents of Elgin County," said Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin - Middlesex - London. "I'm proud that the Ontario government is prioritizing the delivery of reliable broadband to the underserved areas of our community."

"With the support of the federal and provincial governments, SWIFT continues to drive forward with its Southwestern Ontario broadband expansion plan," said David Mayberry, SWIFT Board Chair. "Today's newly announced $6.1 million in infrastructure investments will provide fast, reliable internet connectivity to many more residents living in Elgin County to further support economic growth and social well-being within the region's rural and underserved communities."

Work continues to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined federal - provincial investment of more than $191 million to bring fast, reliable and affordable internet to thousands of homes and businesses. This will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.

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