Aurora is joining Newmarket and Stouffville in having fibre internet provider telMAX create a network in its community.
Aurora has signed a deal with telMAX to build a fibre optic telecommunications network across the town. Aurora said the fibre internet would achieve substantially higher and more reliable internet speeds than traditional cable and DSL internet.
“This is a very important project for the town. We know that Aurorans increasingly need more reliable and faster internet, especially with the massive shift we’ve seen in the number of people working from home,” Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a July 27 news release. “The reality is that access to high-speed and affordable broadband service is now a necessity, not a luxury, especially in today’s economy.”
Newmarket reached an agreement with telMax last October when the company purchased the town-owned ISP and associated infrastructure. Since then, the company has worked to install more fibre connectivity in Newmarket neighbourhoods and get its service online throughout town.
That process will begin in Aurora, with the company planning to have construction crews in neighbourhoods over the next few months. Once installed, Aurora residents and businesses will have the opportunity to receive telMAX fibre internet by signing onto them.
“We have enjoyed working closely with the Town of Aurora on a plan to bring 100 per cent pure fibre to neighbourhoods and residents throughout the town,” telMAX CEO Stuart Roberts said. “We understand the importance of high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet service whether you need that for working from home, staying connected with loved ones, or just being entertained.”
The construction process has caused friction in some Newmarket neighbourhoods, with some residents complaining about cleanup. But telMAX has repeatedly assured that it will restore properties after the network is installed in a neighbourhood.
The company is headquartered in York Region and has also brought in networks into Brooklin and Stouffville over the past two years.
“What’s incredibly important for us is that this project will strengthen the town’s ability to get critical information to residents and businesses, while also allowing us to explore exciting new initiatives like offering free wi-fi at places like Town Park,” Mrakas said.
