Broadband in Northumberland

Why is high-speed so important for our community?

Universal high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and quality of life.

Over a third of Northumberland County’s households are either underserved or unserved. We are working with all levels of government, private partners, and the community to ensure that high-speed connectivity reaches every corner of Northumberland improving quality of life for all residents and supporting our community’s future.

What is the Northumberland Broadband Project?

The Northumberland broadband project is an initiative to bring high-speed fibre-optic internet to 11,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses across rural Northumberland County.

This project is a partnership between Northumberland County, federal and provincial governments, and private sector partner Windsor Capital Windsor, to ensure residents have the needed connectivity to thrive in the modern world.

How many homes in Northumberland County are currently underserved or unserved when it comes to high-speed internet access?

What is the County’s role in project?

Northumberland County is coordinating this vital broadband project and leading the effort to expand broadband by identifying gaps, securing funding, and working with all levels of government and private partners to install the necessary infrastructure and provide broadband connectivity.

The County is not an Internet Service Provider but is overseeing the expansion of the much-needed broadband infrastructure network, but Axle Telecom will provide service, manage customer accounts, and handle technical support.

What is being built, and what are the internet speeds?

The Northumberland broadband project is building a state-of-the-art fibre-optic network to provide fast, reliable, and future-proof internet access to rural areas.

This network will deliver speeds of up to 1 GB for both downloads and uploads, ensuring seamless streaming, video conferencing, online learning, and business operations.

Who are the partners in the Northumberland Broadband Project?

The Northumberland Broadband Initiative is a public-private partnership involving Northumberland County, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and Windsor Private Capital. The initiative includes $64 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) and the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program, as well as private investment through the WPC Infrastructure Fund.

The WPC Infrastructure Fund is managed by Windsor Private Capital (WPC), a Toronto-based investment firm with a breadth of experience in a wide range of industry sectors. WPC has recently expanded the fund through investments in telecommunications providers EH!tel Networks, Bruce Telecom, GBTel and Axle Telecom on behalf of LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada, one of the country’s largest private sector union sponsored pension funds. Axle Telecom is the Internet Service Provider (ISP) installing the infrastructure to connect Northumberland County to their state-of-the-art Broadband network.

Together, all three partners in the Northumberland Broadband Initiative are working to close the digital divide, ensuring that over 11,000 underserved homes across Northumberland County have access to fast, reliable and future-ready broadband connectivity.

Who is responsible for building and providing internet service for the Northumberland Broadband Project?

The broadband network is being delivered through a partnership with Axle Telecom as the Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Axel Telecom is responsible for installing, maintaining, and providing high-speed internet service to residents and businesses once the network is complete. Once the network is in place, residents will be able to sign up for service directly with Axle Telecom, selecting an internet plan that meets their needs.

There is no cost to connect to the network during installation, but households must provide permission for crews to complete the work.

Who is Axle Telecom?

Axle Telecom is a Canadian-owned telecommunications company dedicated to connecting small, underserved, rural communities. Axle is part of a family of local telecom networks that includes EH!tel Networks, GBTel, Bruce Telecom and Axle Telecom. Together, they bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet services to homes and businesses in unserved and underserved areas of Ontario including Northumberland, Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, Southgate, Wellington, and Middlesex counties. 

For more information on how Axle is working with Northumberland County to grow your rural high-speed internet access, visit AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

What role do local municipalities play in this project?

Is the network designed for both current needs and future needs? 

When will the broadband project be completed?

Construction will begin in March 2025, with installations rolling out in phases across the county.

As each broadband section is completed, the network will be tested to confirm connections for residents. This phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2025.

How do I gain access and what will it cost? 

Installing fibre cable to the new broadband network from your home is completely optional. However, if you wish to be connected to the network at no cost, you will need to provide consent. Initial physical connection to your property is covered by the project’s funding.

Once fibre has been installed to your residence, you can then choose to sign up and pay for internet services provided by Axle Telecom. They will contact residents prior to installation in your area to seek permission to access your property and connect your dwelling to the network.

Learn more: AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

What if I choose not to have crews make the physical connection to my home or business now?

It’s your choice, but we strongly encourage residents to take advantage of the free fibre installation to your residence from the network even if you do not plan on signing up for internet services at the moment.

Technology connectivity to the backbone will future-proof your home or property investment for the future. If you don’t want high-speed internet service now, it can be selected in the future because of the network connection to your home.

Do I need to submit a request for my home or business to be included in the installation?

No, the project team has identified connectivity gaps, but you do need to grant Axle Telecom to access your property.

If you are eligible, you will be notified before installation begins by Axle Telecom to complete a form for authorization for the network installer to access to your property and dwelling.

How will I know when installation is happening in my area?

How far in advance will I know, and do you anticipate delays?

While we’re excited to bring high-speed internet to your community, please remember that timelines can shift based on technical or logistical factors.

You can keep updated on any changes by checking back on this webpage (Northumberland.ca/Broadband).

Typically, you will be notified or made aware, two-three weeks in advance of when crews will be in your area.

What is Axle’s involvement in the Northumberland Broadband Initiative?

Axle Telecom (Axle) is bringing reliable, high-speed internet to Northumberland County.

As part of the Northumberland Broadband Initiative launched by Northumberland County, Axle is building and investing the infrastructure necessary to provide up to 11,000 homes and businesses with access to essential high-speed internet. The construction of this network will also create local jobs for tradespeople and service providers, including members of LiUNA Local 183, who will play a critical role in bringing this long awaited infrastructure to life.

This infrastructure will allow previously underserved areas of Northumberland County to connect to Axle’s state-of-the-art Broadband network, finally providing the digital connectivity infrastructure the community deserves. 

When will residents start seeing physical connections to households?

Network infrastructure installation will begin in early March 2025, with service connections being made progressively as each area’s infrastructure is completed.

Network installers will be working simultaneously in multiple locations throughout the County in 2025. The entire project is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. 

How will the broadband network be built?

The fibre-optic network will be primarily buried underground using a technique called plowing, which is a non-intrusive method that minimizes disturbance to the surrounding environment. Wherever possible, fibre will be installed within road allowances and other pre-disturbed areas to reduce impact. In some locations, where underground installation is not feasible, fibre will be installed aerially on existing utility poles.

This approach ensures the fastest and most efficient deployment while maintaining a low-impact footprint on the natural landscape. Restoration efforts will be carried out after construction to return affected areas to their original condition.

Will the wires be buried to my home, and what happens if my property is disturbed?

In some cases, the network cables will be installed using existing utility poles, while others may be buried.

Most cabling will be buried along municipal or private rights-of-way. Any property disturbance will be minimal, and crews will restore affected areas once the work is complete.

Residents will be notified in advance if any work required on their property and will need to provide permission to Axle Telecom.

Will I still have access to my driveway and road during construction?

Yes, roads will remain open, but temporary lane restrictions may be in place while crews work in an area.

Construction zones will be clearly marked, and traffic management will be in place to ensure safe passage for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

How will the broadband installation impact the environment?

The environmental impact of this project is minimal. The primary method of installation—plowing—is a non-intrusive technique that places fibre underground while minimizing soil disturbance.

In cases where plowing isn’t possible, we use directional drilling to go underneath sensitive areas, ensuring minimal disruption to vegetation and natural habitats. All work areas will be fully restored once installation is complete.

Will construction damage the soil or my property?

The installation process is designed to minimize disruption by using a method called plowing, which places the fibre underground with minimal soil disturbance. In areas where plowing is not possible, crews may use directional drilling or aerial installation on existing poles.

If any temporary impacts occur, all disturbed areas will be fully restored once the work is complete.

If you have any concerns over the construction work or disturbance to your property, please contact AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

Will trees be cut down to install the fibre network?

No, tree roots will not be cut and trees will not be removed unless absolutely necessary. Crews will use directional drilling to go underneath trees whenever possible.

In rare cases where a tree must be removed, crews will work directly with the landowner to explore options, including replacement planting to maintain the natural landscape.

My property hasn’t been restored properly after installation. Who do I contact?

If you have concerns about restoration, please contact Axle Telecom’s customer support team.

The project includes a full commitment to restoring any impacted areas to their original condition. Visit AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

What about wildlife and natural habitats?

The network is being installed within existing road allowances and previously disturbed areas, reducing the likelihood of impacting natural habitats.

Before installation, environmental assessments are conducted in consultation with municipal staff and conservation authorities and a review of policies is made, to ensure no sensitive ecosystems are disturbed.

The construction process is temporary, and all disturbed land will be fully restored after work is completed.

Will there be long-term impacts on the landscape?

No, the fibre installation is a short-term construction project with long-term benefits. Once the work is completed, the land will be restored to its original condition.

Unlike above-ground infrastructure like cell towers, buried fibre blends into the landscape, leaving no visible footprint.

Do I need to be home or present for the hook-up?

In most cases, you will not need to be present for the exterior installation of the cable.

Crews will complete the work outside your property, running the cable to the exterior of your home or business and a preferred location close to applicable utilities.

If you choose to sign up for internet service, interior access is required to complete the connection or set up equipment. You will be contacted in advance to schedule a convenient time.

How do I sign up for internet service?

Axle Telecom will be visiting homes in the County following the installation of the network in your area. We recommend signing up as soon as service becomes available in your area.

Signing up is easy! Axle Telecom will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and help you choose the best plan for your needs.

You can learn more or request a quote by visiting AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

What is the cost for Internet service?

Residents will be able to sign up with Axle Telecom – the internet service provider - selected for this project.

They will offer competitively priced service plans to suit your needs.

You can learn more or request a quote by visiting AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

Can I choose to sign up with a different ISP?

How can I find out if my home or business is included in the project?

Residents and business can confirm if their home or business property is part of the project by visiting AxleTelecom.ca or call 1-844-702-2848.

Additionally, residents will receive direct notifications when crews are scheduled to begin work in their area, along with details on how to request a free connection and provide permission for installation.