June 12, 2020 · 0 Comments
By Mike Baker
Ontario-based Wightman Communications has this week unveiled plans to invest $56 million into bringing “next-generation” internet services to Orangeville.
The organization plans to move forward with the project as early as this fall. In a release to media, Wightman says it is planning to install more than 350,000 metres of fibre optic lines throughout the town, starting at the Orangeville Business Park along Centennial Road.
“For many years, Wightman has offered services in Orangeville and been part of the community. We’ve listened to our customers, and it is time for us to make the significant investment and build a vital, future-proof communications infrastructure with our ‘Fibre to the Home and Business’ (initiative), that will serve the community for generations to come,” said Rob Figliuzzi, President and CEO of Wightman Communications.
Wightman specializes in providing high-speed internet, home phone and television services to thousands of customers across the province. The company introduced its ‘Fibre to the Home’ package in 2008. This technology uses laser pulses of light, sent through tiny strands of glass, to transmit data, allowing for a significant increase in the speed at which internet signals can be carried.
This news follows hot on the heels of a recent announcement by Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones that Dufferin County and Caledon will see a $12 million investment to internet services this year. Addressing local residents this week, Mayor Sandy Brown called Wightman’s investment a major win for the community.
“Wightman is making a very significant investment in Orangeville with this project, and their confidence in the community is much appreciated,” Mayor Brown said. “Our high-speed internet capability will advance leaps and bounds, thanks to Wightman’s multi-year project. The initiative is a huge step forward for Orangeville in our Smart City journey.”
He added, “As the pandemic has made clear, digital infrastructure is a critical piece of a complete community as a tool to attract and retain business and support our residents in home life, the modern workforce and education.”
Wightman will move ahead with construction of its fibre lines at the Orangeville Business Park in the fall. Company officials say they plan to expand into the residential sector next year, while there are also plans to open up a retail location in Orangeville in 2021.