Whitchurch-Stouffville-based company Telmax is nearing completion of a fibre optic network expansion throughout Newmarket.
After about a year of construction in neighbourhoods throughout town, the internet service provider said it expects to finish its installations in March, with a lower period of activity in the winter. The network is now available in many areas and the firm is promising a higher level of internet speed in several areas.
With the town's backing, the initiative is meant to upgrade the internet service available in Newmarket. CEO Stuart Roberts said construction had progressed well, with their network targeting areas needing more fibre optic service.
“We’re in areas where we consider the customers are underserved in their (internet) access speeds, and also with the availability of a fibre network,” Roberts said. “We haven’t done the whole of Newmarket.”
TelMAX began construction near the end of 2022 after buying the town-owned ISP ENVI. The town sought to enhance broadband infrastructure with ENVI, using it to build out a fibre optic network with the goal of improving internet connectivity. But the town said it felt the sale could accelerate this process while reducing the long-term cost by selling to telMAX.
The company then began its installation process through a variety of local contractors, Roberts said. While Newmarket does have other internet providers, Roberts said in many parts of town, fibre optic cable networks are unavailable, with other ISPs using coaxial cables or copper.
Roberts said the fibre optic network generally provides better speeds, with upload speeds more equivalent to download speeds.
“Not only does the customer get a greater speed of access, they also get faster access,” Roberts said.
However, the introduction of telMAX does not mean other ISPs like Bell and Rogers are out. Existing ISPs will still be available in Newmarket and there is no requirement for your home or business to switch over. TelMAX is also not necessarily building out the network to areas where fibre is already available, generally in newer buildings, Roberts said.
The company is also now building out a fibre network in Aurora. Roberts said that work is ongoing, similarly targeting neighbourhoods and areas not currently served with fibre networks.
The construction process has led to some friction with residents over several months. Some have complained about issues during construction, which involves digging into the front yards of homes. TelMAX is responsible for fixing lawns and homes impacted by the network construction. While most construction is complete in Newmarket, you can send any construction issues to [email protected].
The company has got involved in the local community, with participation in the Santa Claus parade and sponsorship of Newmarket’s outdoor skatepark. Roberts said the company hires locally.
“We think that it’s important that as a local service provider, that we give back to our local communities,” Roberts said.
