Work is officially underway to bring high-speed internet to more than 11,000 rural homes and businesses across Northumberland County.
Construction of a new broadband fibre network has begun, marking a major step in closing the digital divide across the region. The project is a partnership between Northumberland County, the federal and provincial governments, and private-sector partner Windsor Private Capital.
Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander thanked federal and provincial governments for their support with a special thanks to local MPP David Piccini.
The network is being built by Axle Telecom, a Canadian-owned company that specialises in rural broadband. Construction is starting in the municipalities of Port Hope and Trent Hills and will expand county-wide throughout 2025.
“This project will be a game-changer for people in Northumberland County,” said Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Reliable high-speed Internet means better access to health care, education, and emergency services.”
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini underlined the importance of high speed access in Northumberland.
With about one-third of local households currently underserved, the network aims to connect every municipality and Alderville First Nation. The project’s funding includes $45.8 million from the province, $18.4 million from the federal Universal Broadband Fund, and $700,000 from the County.
Fibre installation is taking place mostly within road allowances using underground methods like directional drilling to limit environmental impact. Once service is available, Axle Telecom will offer no-cost connections from the roadside network directly to each property.
“This will make a real difference for over 11,000 families and workers,” said Piccini
According to Ostrander, high speed internet has become essential to modern day life.
Residents and businesses will be contacted directly by Axle Telecom as the network reaches their area.
For more information, visit Northumberland.ca/Broadband or Axletelecom.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
