The $10 Million SWIFT Deal - Who Actually Gets Internet?

More details on the SWIFT deal in Dufferin have been released. This includes service maps showing specifically where the fibre is going to be placed by the internet service providers participating in the projects. In addition to this, the amount of money contributed by SWIFT to each project has been released. Josh MacEwen uses his analytical skills, gained from his time working in telecom, to see which companies won big in this deal.

Eh!tel Networks will be providing internet to 649 premises along 54.7 km of road in the Horning’s Mills area. This includes Redickville, Honeywood, Black Bank, Ruskview, Terra Nova, Kilgorie, Horning’s Mills, Whitfield and Springwater Lakes. This project is valued at $3,948,048, with SWIFT contributing $2,385,863, and it should be complete by December 31, 2022. As of writing, Eh!Tel charges $49.95 per month for 50mb down and 10mb up.

Eventual Eh!tel Networks Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project - Source: SWIFT deal — Eventual Eh!tel Networks Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project – *Source: SWIFT*

North Frontenac Telephone Company will be providing internet to 460 premises along 41.7 km of road in the Laurel and Camila areas. This project is valued at $5,417,973, with SWIFT contributing $3,688,524, and it should be complete by February 28, 2022. As of writing, North Frontenac Telephone Company charges $94.95 per month for 50mb down and 10mb up.

Eventual North Frontenac Telephone Company Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project - Source: SWIFT deal — Eventual North Frontenac Telephone Company Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project – *Source: SWIFT*

Cogeco Connexion will be providing internet to 145 premises along 13.5 km of road in the Marsville area. This includes Marsville, Orton, Prices Corner, and Craigsholme. This project is valued at $866,636, with SWIFT contributing $534,173, and it should be complete by March 31, 2022. As of writing, Cogeco Connexion charges $98 per month for 60mb down and 10mb up.

Bell Canada will be providing internet to 301 premises along 17.4 km of road in the Mansfield area. This project is valued at $829,111, with SWIFT contributing $355,476, and it should be complete by March 31, 2022. As of writing, Bell Canada charges $79.95 per month for 50mb down and 10mb up.

Eventual Bell Canada Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project - Source: SWIFT — Eventual Bell Canada Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project – *Source: SWIFT*

Rogers Communications will be providing internet to 108 premises along 4.7 km of road in Garafraxa Woods. This project is valued at $687,804, with SWIFT contributing $491,036, and it should be complete by October 22, 2021. As of writing, Rogers Communications charges $90 per month for 75mb down and 10mb up.

Eventual Rogers Communications Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project - Source: SWIFT — Eventual Rogers Communications Service Area in Dufferin Resulting from Swift Project – *Source: SWIFT*

After looking at metrics such as the average number of premises per km of road where the fiber is being laid, project cost per premises, and payback periods, it becomes quite apparent that Bell and Rogers got the best parts of this deal. The big question is, with SWIFT’s requirement to allow other ISPs to hook up to the fiber of those paying for it, what happens to the little guys?

According to Josh, they’ll get crushed.

Service maps regarding the SWIFT deal are found here: https://swiftruralbroadband.ca/resources/our-service-map/

Full Disclosure: Josh MacEwen used to work for Bell. He resigned after an irresolvable values conflict.

References – The $10 Million SWIFT Deal – Who Actually Gets Internet?

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