Description
Reliable, fast internet access is essential to taking part in many aspects of climate action, from being enabled to work from home, accessing resources such as transit schedules, and connecting to services. Ensuring that the entire region, especially rural areas where this is not widely available today, has access to broadband connection is an important first step in empowering our community to participate in climate action, while building a more equitable community.
A lead organization will need to be identified for this work. There is no publicly available update at this time.
Ontario Connects: High-Speed Internet for Every Community
The Government of Ontario has launched Ontario Connects, a $4 billion initiative to ensure high-speed internet (50/10 Mbps) reaches approximately 700,000 underserved or unserved homes by the end of 2025. Enabled by the Getting Ontario Connected Act (2022), this project aims for 100% coverage across the province.
Key Projects and Investments:
- Accelerated High-Speed Internet Program (AHSIP) (2021): Contracts with 8 internet service providers to deliver infrastructure to rural communities.
- Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) Program (2020): Nearly $1 billion invested over six years to enhance broadband and cellular access, including fibre-based projects in Northern and Southwestern Ontario, and First Nations communities.
- Brighton Pilot Project (2022): Hydro One uses existing infrastructure to expand internet in Brighton, cutting development time and costs.
- Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) (2021): Rogers’ $150 million Cell Gap Project has upgraded wireless infrastructure and launched 5G in 21 communities, including First Nations areas.
- Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT): High-speed internet for 58,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario, including Waterloo and Niagara regions.
- Northern Ontario Projects:
- $10.9M for broadband in Northern Ontario, including a 22 km fibre network for First Nations.
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) supports small-scale, community-led projects.
- Telesat Lightspeed Project: $109M investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for remote connectivity.
- Matawa Project: $30M for fibre-optic connections to five remote Matawa First Nation communities, serving 670 homes and businesses.
The High-Speed Internet Map (2023) helps residents locate ongoing projects in their area. Access it here.