Access to fiber-optic internet is improving in Hearst. The Federal Government announced a grant of nearly three quarters of a million dollars to help link up about 373 households that includes in town and rural areas. Hearst Connect manager Tania Cossette says this funding will help get nearly 100 per cent of the community on the fiber-optic technology. She adds. the work on the project began a few months ago and she’s hopeful to conclude it by the end of the year.
“And so we are looking at taking care of the fiber-optic network here in Hearst,” she said. “And after that we will be providing the technical support, taking care of the billing. We will do everything really.”
Mayor Roger Sigouin says it was an ambition project by the town to begin Hearst Connect five years ago, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“And I hope Hearst is going to be an example for many many communities in the north and say hey if you want to get a good service maybe we should get involved ourselves and invest in a company like Hearst Connect,” he said.
“This is excellent news for Northern Ontario!,” said Marc Serre, Nickel Belt MP. “The pandemic has shown us how essential high-speed Internet access has become. Our government understands that it is urgent and vital to connect rural and remote regions throughout Canada, including Northern Ontario.”
“Hearst Connect is very grateful for this federal funding under the Universal Broadband Fund, which will help us with the expansion of our fiber-to-the-home (network to over 350 households and businesses in Hearst, Ontario,” Cossette added. “Reliable and ultra-fast internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Hearst Connect would like to thank the Government of Canada for their commitment to improving broadband services to rural and remote communities, as well as the residents of Hearst and surroundings for their continued support for Hearst Connect.”
