The importance of a high speed internet connection to rural residents can be seen as a basic utility; one that drives drives development in rural economies and acts as an important attraction tool. It is one of the Township's initiatives to reduce the digital divide and provide residents access to broadband services as they continue to work, learn and connect at home.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared that high-speed internet is now a basic service and established a universal service objective that Canadians (in rural and remote areas to those in urban centres) have access to broad internet services.
Current Initiatives
On August 28, 2023, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced over $219 million in combined federal and provincial funding to bring high-speed internet to over 66,000 households in more than 300 underserved Ontario communities – with Ramara being one of them.
Read Ontario News Announcement
The Ontario connects interactive map displays all the projects included in the announcement, including the area, provider, technology and target completion date for expanding internet services within the Ramara area.
| Program | Technology to be used | Internet Service Provider | Target Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Broadband Fund - $140,000,000 View Area (blue highlight) |
Fibre | Rogers Communication Canada Inc | December 31, 2025 |
| Universal Broadband Fund - $28,073,544 View Area (blue highlight) |
Fibre | Bell Canada | December 31, 2025 |
Township of Ramara Project
On June 14, 2021 Council approved the Internet Plan to improve broadband services in Ramara. The report identified seven service gaps around the Township that were identified using the CIRA performance tests and responses from residents. With the seven service gaps, over 800+ households will receive a minimum of 50/10 service. These seven service gap areas will be covered by Rogers Communication Inc. and Muskoka Wifi.
| Service Gap Areas | Location (approx areas) | Type of Service | Provider | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Map A | North East area of Ramara | Wireless | Muskoka Wifi | Complete |
| Map B | North of Longford Mills, Switch Road, Davy Drive | Fibre | Rogers | In Progress |
| Map C | Sideroad 25, Margaret Orr Blvd, Concession Road 12 | Wireless | Rogers | Complete |
| Map D | Sylvan Glenn, Dalrymple Drive, Stephanie Drive | Wireless | Rogers | Included in Ontario Connects Project |
| Map E | Amilia Dr, Glenrest Dr, John St, Peter St | Fibre | Rogers | Complete |
| Map F | South Ramara (Lakeshore Drive, Suntrac Drive) | Fibre | Rogers | Complete |
April 3, 2023 Internet Projects Update
Township of Ramara Service Gap Area Providers
Muskoka Wifi |
|
On October 25, 2021, the Township of Ramara Council signed an agreement with Muskoka Wifi to service over 200 underserved premises in the North area (Gap A) of the Township with wireless services. On April 12, 2022, the Township of Ramara and Muskoka Wifi announce that residents in the north area of the Township have access to high-speed wireless internet. |
Rogers Communication Inc |
|
On September 27, 2021, Council signed an agreement with Rogers Communication Canada Inc to service 828 underserved premises with either wired or wireless services. The total investment is $4,816,833 with the Township of Ramara contributing only $425,000. The Project is anticipated to be complete by 2023. |
SWIFT Program
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is a non-profit municipally-led broadband expansion project created to improve internet connectivity in underserved communities.
- Media Release - Simcoe County to receive $41 million on broadband upgrades.
- SWIFT funding announcement including Ramara Township.
- SWIFT Map - identifies project locations
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