This content was originally published in the London Free Press on June 22, 2018 and was written by Norman De Bono.
Like water, heat and hydro, a reliable internet is an “essential service” for business and industry, city officials agree.
The city is set to put the final stamp of approval on nearly $700,000 to provide fibre optic cable to underserved areas of the city, an investment that will pay off in reliable broadband service for business as well as homes.
“The better connected we are, the stronger we will be,” said David Billson, chief executive of rTraction, a London technology business.
Whatever we can do to level the playing field, opens new markets for digital content, training and technology - Adam Caplan, owner, Web.isod.es
“There are definitely some business parks and other areas that are underserviced by current needs. It is like power generation, an essential service. It will limit communities that do not have it.”
The city is giving the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Network project $690,000 over three years from the city’s economic development reserve fund. The investment will be matched by more than $2 million from SWIFT, an agency funded by the three levels of government as well as the private sector, meaning the city will get $2.76 million in fibre-optic internet connections.
“Making this widely available will help build the city,” Billson added.
It is not yet known exactly where the service will be installed and how much cable will laid, said Matt Daley, director of information services with the city.
“This is an important investment,” added Adam Caplan, owner of technology business web.isode.es, which creates videos, podcasts and infographics.
“The rural community in Southwestern Ontario has been underserviced by Internet. Whatever we can do to level the playing field, opens new markets for digital content, training and technology.”
“Some services are now only available online. It is an essential service. I hope this helps create new jobs, opportunities for training,” said Caplan, who broadcasts the local podcast Towards London.
The web is no longer reserved for technology business and offices. Manufacturers require web connections to operate industrial machines on the shop floor, streaming and transmitting data.
“If the internet is down, business cannot run. This will help with future investment, it is about economic benefit,” said Billson.
The city will determine by year end where the cable is needed, working with the London Economic Development Corp. (LEDC), and construction should begin in 2019 to be completed by 2022.
“It is a pretty clear case for a solid investment, for economic purposes, for supporting local businesses,” said Coun. Josh Morgan, committee vice-chairperson.
“Businesses depends on robust infrastructure.”
London is one of three hubs in Southwestern Ontario for SWIFT, with Barrie and Guelph the others. It serves 21 municipalities.
“It is an essential piece of infrastructure, critical to attract and retain companies in this technology-driven environment. Companies rely in high-speed internet,” said LEDC chief executive Kapil Lakhotia.
“When we select the geography where this will go, we will not replicate where there is fibre. We will look at areas where there is no fibre optic right now.”
The $288-million fund for Southwestern Ontario gets $90 million from Ottawa, $90 million from the Ontario government, $20 million from municipalities and $88 million from private partners.
The matter goes to city council Tuesday.
