The Ontario government has signed agreements with three providers to bring high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses across the Bay of Quinte region.
Tuesday, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith announced agreements have been signed with Rogers Communications, Cogeco Connexion and Bell Canada as the province aims to connect every corner of the province by 2025.
The provincial government estimates that there are as many as 12,040 underserved homes and businesses in Prince Edward County and Quinte West.
Smith says, “With these agreements, our government is delivering the necessary investment to bring this vital infrastructure into their communities.”
Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure added, “Our government is ensuring every community
in Ontario has access to reliable high-speed internet. We are making a positive difference in the lives of
individuals and families in Bay of Quinte. Through our tremendous progress, more Ontarians will be able
to have access to reliable high-speed internet no matter where they live.”
“We are excited to see continued progress toward the delivery of high-speed internet access for
unserved and underserved areas in Prince Edward County. Members of our community increasingly rely
on the internet to work, learn, run their businesses, and connect with the broader world. We commend
the Ontario government’s efforts to enhance this critical infrastructure and the investments that have
been made to expand access, especially to those living and working in rural communities,” said Steve
Ferguson, Mayor of Prince Edward County.
Mitch Panciuk, mayor of Belleville, added, “We have lobbied very hard for improved internet
services for the past two terms of council. We do this because we know this is important for
residents and businesses. The Covid pandemic and remote school/work has only shown how
much we need improved services. We are very pleased to hear that these changes will be in
place for our region by the end of 2025.”
In total, the province has signed agreements with eight internet service providers to bring access to up to 266,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses in as many as 339 municipalities across Ontario.
