Connecting Northwestern Ontario
The Economic Imperative of High-Speed Internet
By Jeremy Dutton
November 1st, 2024
In today's interconnected world, high-speed internet has become an indispensable utility, as essential as electricity or roads. Defined as at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload speed it is a pre-cursor for innovation, economic growth and diversification. However, in Northwester Ontario, many communities lack access to this vital infrastructure.
Economic Benefits
There are numerous economic activities which rely on having access to high-speed broadband internet. It enables e-commerce, online marketing, remote work, distance education, research, and access to investment. Without it, our regional businesses can't thrive in the modern digital economy.
E-Commerce: Businesses rely on it for everything from e-commerce and online marketing. In Northwestern Ontario, it will be very difficult for our regional business to grow, and for us to attract new businesses from other areas if they cannot access the high-speed internet required for e-commerce and related marketing efforts.
Remote work and talent: High-speed internet allows residents to connect with employers across the country, keeping their income within local communities, and letting them stay here in Northwestern Ontario. Additionally, we must acknowledge that while we have an incredibly talented and diverse workforce here in Northwestern Ontario, as a small region, there are limits to the total breadth and depth of or talent pool. High-speed broadband internet enables local businesses to access national and global talent pools, which is especially crucial for sourcing specialized skills needed for growth.
Distance/online education: Talent development opportunities are critical to both workers and businesses alike. Access to high-speed internet is essential for accessing modern online and distance learning opportunities. Without this, our local labour force and employers will not to be able to keep up and continue to evolve.
Research and Access to Investment: High-speed internet also plays a critical role in fostering innovation and commercialization. Startups and small businesses can leverage online platforms to connect with customers, partners, and investors worldwide. Additionally, researchers and academics can collaborate with international peers and access vast databases of information.
Furthermore, all the above activities are closely linked to job creation and economic diversification. Without access to high-speed internet, we will struggle to create jobs and opportunities for our region and remain competitive in today's digital economy.
Bridging the Divide
However, access to this crucial infrastructure remains elusive for many of our small communities and rural areas. While urban households have nearly 99% access to 50/10 Mbps service, only 46% of rural households and 35% of First Nations households on reserves have the same level of connectivity. This disparity can hinder economic development, education, diversificaiton in these communities.
To bridge this digital divide and realize the full potential of high-speed internet in Northwestern Ontario, we must invest in infrastructure, support innovative projects, and raise awareness about the importance of connectivity.
To accomplish this, the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) has been instrumental in championing regional projects that address gaps in high-speed internet connectivity. One such project is the Lakehead Rural Municipal Coalition fibre project, which has secured $35.7 million in federal and provincial funding to bring fibre to over 2,500 households in several rural municipalities. This initiative will not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic growth in these areas.
Past projects have included the Ignace Broadband Project, which secured $2.2 million in funding to provide high-speed internet access to over 600 addresses as well as the West Ring Fibre Upgrade and Expansion project which secured over $6 million to support 24 communities. In total, broadband projects led by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre have helped bring and upgrade high-speed internet access to 126 communities in our region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high-speed internet is a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and diversification in Northwestern Ontario. By investing in high-speed infrastructure and broadband, we can bridge the digital divide and create a more prosperous future for our region. The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, as a leading organization in driving digital transformation, is actively working to bridge the digital divide in our region through our broadband initiatives. By supporting these efforts, we can ensure that Northwestern Ontario remains competitive and connected in the digital age.
Research and editing assistance was provided by Google Gemini