Cogeco Connexion to build SWIFT fiber networks in two Ontario counties

Feb. 3, 2020

Cable MSO Cogeco Connexion, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), says it has earned CAN$6.7 million in contracts from the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project to connect 3650 homes and businesses in Wellington and Lambton counties in Ontario with fiber. Cogeco Connexion will spend money of its own as well on the roll-outs, which are expected to be completed in 2021.

SWIFT is a non-profit regional broadband project initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus to subsidize the construction of high-speed broadband networks across Southwestern Ontario, Caledon, and the Niagara Region. The project has approved funding of up to CAN$127.4 million under the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund (NBCF-SCF), a joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding program. SWIFT projects are expected to leverage additional funding from municipal partners and private sector investors at a level that will bring the total project funding to CAN$209 million.

Along these lines, Cogeco Connexion says it will invest an additional CAN$2.9 million dollars to lay fiber along 112 km of roadways and connect 1950 homes and business in Wellington County by the middle of next year. In Lambton County, Cogeco will spend CAN$2.7 million to connect 1700 homes and business via new fiber laid along more than 80 km of roads by the end of 2021. Cogeco hays it will offer gigabit broadband as well as video services in both counties.

"During the bidding process we had one objective: to connect residences, businesses, and public buildings, in underserved areas within these two counties to our best-in-class network technology. Cogeco Connexion is very proud to continue its market expansion in partnership with the SWIFT project, thereby adding to its network footprint to serve new customers" said Antoine Shiu, vice president, sales and marketing, business solutions at Cogeco Connexion.

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

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