SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - Crews have begun installing fibre optic cable at a variety of locales throughout SDG Counties, with more work expected in the future, as a multitude of homes in our province become connected to high-speed Internet.
In 2021 the Province Of Ontario passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 to help speed up construction of high-speed internet, especially in rural settings. This was complemented by the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022, which further reduces barriers, duplication and delays.
As a consequence, home owners in our region have already begun to be approached by representatives from telecommunications companies that are building the fibre network. As the construction unfolds in our region, more homes will be connected.
Homeowners without fibre at their property can expect that a representative from a telecom company (Bell, Rogers, Xplornet, etc.) to pay a visit, and request written permission to install a fibre line, stretching from the road allowance to the home. There is no charge for the connection, and there is no obligation to subscribe to the services offered by the telecom company.
Typically three attempts are made to contact a homeowner, to seek permission for the installation, These interactions are almost always done in-person:
- Attempt 1 is a notice and door knock two weeks prior to construction.
- Attempt 2 is one week prior to construction.
- Attempt 3 first week of construction.
If property owners decline, or do not respond to attempts to get permission, it cannot be confirmed that the telecom will return to secure a connection that is free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE: If you receive a phone call from an individual claiming to be from a telecommunications company, please check to confirm the authenticity of any offers presented. Some residents have reported scams involving bad actors who claim to represent legitimate interests.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to at least make the fibre connection to their home. While decisions on whether to pay for a subscribed service will always rest with the property owner, having a free option to connect to a high-speed Internet connection adds value to a home and could pay off in the future, should a homeowner decide they wish to avail themselves of specific fibre optic Internet services.
Each local municipality in SDG Counties may have one or more different telecoms installing fibre lines in their jurisdiction. If you have questions about the service, or the work being done, please reach out to the telecom company installing the infrastructure on your street or road.