Six Nations works to expand internet access

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Six Nations of the Grand River is aiming to ensure every home and business on the territory has reliable and affordable internet services by 2023.

The Six Nations Connectivity/Broadband Task Force recently welcomed news that some homes and businesses are included in a major expansion of fibre-optic services being led by Xplornet with backing from Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology and the federal and provincial governments.

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But more is being done to ensure the whole community has internet access, the task force said in a recently released statement.

An internet tower project on Six Nations is scheduled to be completed this spring. And the task force is also applying with Rogers Communications Inc. to the universal broadband fund, which is part of the federal government’s plan to connect all Canadians to high-speed internet.

If the application is successful, the project will provide fibre-optic connectivity to all Six Nations households and businesses, the task force said.

Efforts to improve internet access on Six Nations is a direct response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as many band members adapt to different learning and work environments. At present, wireless network coverage on Six Nations is about 68 per cent.

The internet tower project is being supported by the Six Nations elected council, Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Trust, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp., Xplornet and Two Rivers Community Development Centre.

The Xplornet Communications – SWIFT initiative is a $9.4-million project that will provide nearly 2,465 homes and businesses in Harrisburg, Harley, Fairfield Plain, Burtch, Newport, Onondaga, Middleport in Brant County and some areas of Six Nations with high-speed internet access by mid-2022.