The Ontario government is investing $10.9 million to bring faster broadband to several towns and First Nation communities across Northern Ontario.

“Now more than ever, residents in Northern Ontario and across the province need access to faster, more reliable broadband service,” said Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “Our investments will make it easier for people to work and learn from home, run their businesses, access vital services and connect with others.”

Ontario’s investments will help:

  • build infrastructure that brings high-speed broadband to more areas in Chisholm, Marathon, Terrace Bay, rural Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge;
  • construct a new 22-kilometre fibre backbone network that brings high-speed broadband to Seine River First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation and Big Grassy First Nation; and
  • upgrade the speed and capacity of the K-Net network, owned by Keewaytinook Okimakanak and which serves more than 80 First Nation communities, while supporting future upgrades.

This investment is part of Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadand and Cellular Action Plan and will bring faster internet to more than 7,000 households and businesses across the North.

On November 4, 2020, the Ontario government announced an investment of $680 million on top of its existing commitment to improve connectivity in the province, leading to a historic investment of nearly $1 billion over six years.

“COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the challenges facing our northern and remote communities, including access to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Efficient and modern broadband infrastructure is critical to advancing economic recovery and development in Northern Ontario. Our government’s investment is an important step forward to ensure communities across the North have access to remote education, skills training, and business opportunities.”

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For further information, click here:

Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan

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