Georgina gets connected: High-speed internet coming soon

Udora, Georgina Island First Nation on tap to get fibre network

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 11, 2021

Two Georgina communities are getting hookups for fibre, high-speed internet.

Vianet, a telecommunications company offering internet data services in northern, eastern and southern Ontario, recently announced a three-phase fibre optic build in the Udora community that will connect some 400 residents and businesses with high-speed internet starting in the spring.

The company is utilizing the high-capacity fibre network backbone created by YorkNet, owned and operated by York Region.

Fibre optic service will be a game-changer for many residents, delivering high-speed internet to both businesses and residents in the area.

This will make streaming videos and teleconferencing for home-schooling and home-based businesses easier, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“It’s exciting to watch (the) progress made in bringing high-speed internet to our community,” said Quirk who is also the chairperson for the YorkNet board.

“Having access to affordable, reliable internet is a ‘must-have’ and the (COVID-19) pandemic placed this at the forefront. Whether you are doing online learning or running a home-based business, Georgina Council recognizes high-speed internet as an economic driver that both residents and businesses should have access to,” says Mayor Margaret Quirk.

Vianet is hosting a series of virtual information sessions in the coming weeks for residents by setting up a Wi-Fi hot spot at the local community hall so homeowners can participate.

For more information, visit Vianet’s Udora project page at www.vianet.ca.

The federal government recently announced its plans, together with the region, to bring high-speed internet via underwater fibre cable to the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, through the Connect to Innovate program.

“We’ve had so many challenges doing day-to-day business from our community because of the slow internet connection,” said Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Chief Donna Big Canoe.

“With pandemic measures and lockdowns, internet is most crucial for our youth for schooling, our businesses and connections with the outside world. It’s becoming more and more apparent that, in order to continue moving forward, we need to be up to date with technology.”

The federal government granted $2 million of the $5-million project that will support fibre optic connections in both Udora through Vianet and to Georgina Island First Nation.

Construction is expected to be complete for both projects in the spring, with hookups starting shortly after.