Interactive map makes it easier for people to learn about high-speed internet projects in their area and across the province. We still have a long ways to go.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image by Rosy from Pixabay
The Ontario government has launched a new interactive map so residents and businesses can easily learn more about upcoming and current provincially-funded high-speed internet projects across the province.
Click HERE to access the map
The map is very telling. For those who live in a city area, input your address and then scroll out to see just how little of the rural area has access to high-speed, broadband internet—a fact that severely impinges on a farm business’ ability to utilize the latest in precision ag technologies.
Users may search the map by address, community, or municipality to find project details, such as information on construction status or which internet service providers will be delivering reliable high-speed internet in unserved and underserved communities—such as the province’s farms.
“I am so proud to launch this new online tool that will help people learn more about high-speed internet access currently available and coming soon to communities across the province,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure. “This user-friendly map will provide Ontarians with the latest information about our government’s progress in bringing reliable high-speed internet access to every community by the end of 2025. Through our ambitious plan, our government will ensure that no community will be left behind in today’s digital world.”
The Ontario government is investing nearly $4 billion to bring access to reliable high-speed internet for every community across the province by the end of 2025.
This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history.
Ontario has finalized agreements totaling more than $2.3 billion for nearly 200 high-speed internet and cellular projects across the province.
"The new interactive map will enable Ontarians to track the status of broadband infrastructure projects in their community and across the province with confidence. This step forward is another example of our government’s commitment to expanding access to high-speed internet to rural communities across the province to ensure people can live, work and farm wherever they want," stated Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
As part of these agreements, the Ontario government is announcing the internet service providers for 14 high-speed internet projects that will receive over $8.4 million in provincial funding through the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program. These projects, which are also featured on the new high-speed internet map, will bring reliable high-speed internet access to more than 11,000 homes and businesses across the province.
Ontario is providing families, businesses, and communities with the infrastructure they need by investing more than $184 billion over the next 10 years in roads, highways, public transit, hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, and high-speed internet.