TekSavvy and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent announced this week a joint effort for the development of a high-speed fibre broadband network in Chatham-Kent.
TekSavvy plans to connect more than 38,000 residences and businesses in the region, starting in Chatham with plans to expand to Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg.
TekSavvy, which is Canada’s largest independent Internet service provider, is headquartered in Chatham where for 20 years it has provided Canadians with reliable telecom services.
“TekSavvy is excited to build an open-access fibre network in our hometown, Chatham, and surrounding areas, and our agreement with the Municipality is an important milestone,” said Marc Gaudrault, CEO for TekSavvy.
“The Municipality recognizes that a world-class network will further spur economic growth in Chatham-Kent, and we look forward to their continued support as we build next-generation telecommunications facilities. We know our customers want higher service speeds and we want to make that happen for our community in Chatham-Kent.”
TekSavvy intends to invest up to $26 million over 18 months in the development of its fibre network. TekSavvy has already begun construction for its fibre network in Chatham, serving its first fibre-to-the-premise customers earlier this year.
The Municipality intends to invest $6.5 million to facilitate an open-access fibre backbone connecting communities in Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire said he is heartened that this local company is working with the Municipality in its goal to bring advanced communications services to the community.
