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Community updated on fibre optic internet project coming to Six Nations

Black fibre cords are pictures with multiple different cords extending out of the black outer shell. The cords are pictured in a dark space like area with blue stars in the background.
First Nations cable updated the Six Nations community on July 25 and say installation has begun to bring fiber optic internet to the entire community by 2025. Photo courtesy of Rosy from Pixabay.
Andrew Dow - CJKS - Ohsweken • ON | 04-04-2023
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First Nations Cable gave an update to community members on the progress of the fibre optic internet installation project that Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) are hoping will allow all Six Nations community members to have access to higher internet speeds. The presentation was made to SNEC during the March 28 general council meeting.

Jeff Thomas, president of First Nations Cable, says the organization and federal government have come to an agreement on a contract for funding the project that will be signed in the near future. He said once the contract is agreed with the federal counterparts, an additional contract with the Government of Ontario will need to be approved as well.

Thomas says all materials that are needed to begin the project are on hand and will soon begin the process of running the fibre optic lines to the First Nations Cable existing system and in doing so will give the new fibre optic system a point to connect to at their office.

"The big difference between now and this time last year is that we have the materials in stock," he said. "We're going to run fibre right out to our existing system, and what that means is that gives the new system a point to connect to, to get back to our office."

Six Nations Economic Development Trust and the Royal Bank of Canada have agreed to a bridging loan of $750,000 that will help fund the project, Thomas stated, until permanent funding is available from the federal and provincial governments.

Thomas said that he has been in contact with both MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma to get them more engaged in the project. He said in speaking with both Brock and Bouma, they were not aware of the need for the additional contract to be agreed upon with the Provincial Government.

Solo Cable Solutions will be starting the project shortly. Solo Cable will bring two crews on to the project with one moving east across the Six Nations Territory for installation and the other moving west. Thomas says negotiations for a third contractor are also in motion to have them begin installation around the Chiefswood Road area and moving on towards 5th Line Road.

No timeline on the completion of the project was given during the community update that took place March 28. SNEC agreed to accept the update from First Nations Cable as information.

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