High-speed internet a ‘necessity, not a luxury’: Town partners with telMAX to build fibre optic network in Aurora

Crews will be in neighbourhoods over the next few months

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 2, 2023
Laura Broadley

The York region-based company telMAX has signed an agreement with Aurora to build a fibre optic telecommunications network across the town, giving residents and business owners the opportunity to access high-speed pure fibre internet.

“This is a very important project for the town. We know that Aurorans increasingly need more reliable and faster internet, especially with the massive shift we’ve seen in the number of people working from home,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “The reality is that access to high-speed and affordable broadband service is now a necessity, not a luxury, especially in today’s economy.

Fibre internet uses fibre optic cables to send data at the speed of light, which is faster than traditional cable or DSL internet.

During the next few months, crews will be in Aurora’s neighbourhoods as telMAX starts to install the fibre optic network. Residents and business owners will be informed well in advance of any construction in their area, according to the town.

TelMAX will be responsible for the entire cost of installing the fibre optic network, and once in place, residents and business owners will be able to sign on to telMAX as their internet provider, according to the town.

“What’s incredibly important for us is that this project will only strengthen the town’s ability to get critical information to residents and businesses, while also allowing us to explore exciting new initiatives like offering free Wi-Fi at places like Town Park,” Mrakas said.

During the last two years, telMAX has built a fibre optic network in Brooklin, Newmarket and Stouffville. The telMAX network is capable of delivering synchronous speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).

“We understand the importance of high-speed, reliable and affordable internet service whether you need that for working from home, staying connected with loved ones, or just being entertained. We understand this because we live and work in the community,” said telMAX CEO Stuart Roberts.