INTERNET UPGRADE
County getting higher tech
Internet across Essex County is going to become faster, more reliable, and more accessible, promises the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative — following an announcement that’s being hailed as a major step in the improvement of high-speed internet in the region.
On Wednesday, SWIFT went public about a request for proposals for a minimum of $12.8 million in expansion of broadband internet infrastructure.
“SWIFT is focused on providing access to end users,” said Barry Field, executive director of SWIFT.
SWIFT is a non-profit initiative created by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus — of which Essex County Warden Gary Mcnamara is a board member — to subsidize internet networks in regions of Southwestern Ontario.
Funding for SWIFT’S new project comes jointly from the provincial and federal government, as well as from municipal partners and private sector investors.
Mcnamara said the RFP is a step toward “crucial connectivity” in Essex County. “We know that broadband technology is integral to our region in order to attract investment, retain talent, and create opportunities for economic prosperity.”
The RFP’S deadline is July 31. Pre-qualified internet service providers have until then to submit network designs and proposals to address broadband service gaps in areas throughout Essex County.
SWIFT’S criteria asks for these proposals to provide download speeds of at least 50 Mbps, upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps, future scalability, and other selection factors.
There are currently 41 vendors of record who are eligible to bid on the project.
Field said he expects the announcement of who will be awarded the project in September, with construction to take place in 2021 and 2022.
David Mayberry, chair of SWIFT’S board, said broadband internet has become essential for activities such as work, education, shopping and accessing public services.
“Our current reality has emphasized, more so than ever, the importance and need for greater connectivity across our region,” Mayberry said in a release.
According to a presentation by Field, there are an estimated 504,000 residents in Southwestern Ontario who are “underserved” in terms of the internet.
In Essex County, about 1,800 kilometres of roadway — around 63 per cent of the region’s total roadways — are considered underserved.
These underserved areas of the county have a density of approximately 9.9 premises per kilometre.
“That is typically a level of density that the ISPS are not interested in putting their money into,” Field said.
“This is why subsidies are needed — quite frankly, across rural Canada.”
Wednesday’s announcement is part of a larger SWIFT plan to eventually connect 22 per cent of the region’s underserved areas within the next three years.
Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-kent-leamington, and other provincial government representatives touted Wednesday’s announcement.
“As we navigate a global pandemic, we realize now more than ever our reliance on high-speed internet for social interaction, entertainment, and business,” Nicholls said.
“This funding is a great example of how Ontario is supporting rural areas.”
We realize now more than ever our reliance on high-speed internet for social interaction, entertainment and business.