Rural Connection Initiative

EH!tel’s Rural Connection Initiative is bringing Fibre-to-the-Home to thousands of residents in rural communities!

Rural COnnection initiative wordmark

It’s not surprising, considering how essential internet connectivity has become for so many daily activities, that 95% of Canadians say that high-quality internet access is what makes it possible for them to easily and reliably obtain information and use applications that are important to them.

Our Rural Connection Initiative brings state-of-the-art fibre optic technology to dozens of small communities around Grey County. In 13 phases throughout the first half of 2025, this project will make high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home available to nearly 3,400 properties in typically hard-to-reach rural areas that, historically, have had limited access to fast, reliable internet.

We believe in making connection accessible to everyone.

Ready to get connected? Awesome! Just fill out our online consent form to get started.

Check out our latest project updates

What is Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH)?

FTTH is a broadband network technology that uses optical fibre cables to deliver high-speed internet directly to homes, offering faster and more reliable connectivity compared to traditional copper or cable network.

Fibre-optic cables are made of hundreds of thin strands of glass, each about one-tenth the size of a human hair. These cables are installed in an intricate network of complex paths that are installed aerially or underground.

FTTH provides ultra-fast internet, stable connections, and streamlined infrastructure to support growing digital demands.

Ultra-fast Internet

Up to 1GB, enabling seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming

HD Television

Crystal-clear, high-definition TV with a range of channels and on-demand options

Highly Reliable

Less prone to interference and maintains performance during peak usage

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a huge project and we’re super excited! We’ve answered a few below, but we welcome any further questions you may have.

Unlike DSL or cable, FTTH uses fibre-optic cables that transmit data as light, enabling much faster speeds, greater bandwidth, and lower latency.

With a fibre connection, your data literally moves at the speed of light!

Greater reliability than traditional Internet: Fibre cables aren’t affected by electromagnetic interference because they use light to transmit data, not electricity, so the integrity of signals is not affected by electrical noise in the environment, which is what typically leads to slow load times and buffering in copper cables.

FTTH provides ultra-fast internet speeds, stable connections, and streamlined infrastructure to support growing digital demands, supporting:

  • Blazing-Fast Internet: Up to 1GB, enabling seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming without interruptions.
  • HD Television: Enjoy crystal-clear, high-definition television content, including a range of channels and on-demand options.
  • Reliable Home Phone: Stay connected with dependable home phone service, with features designed to meet modern needs.

FTTH also boosts property value by futureproofing updated homes and supports remote work, education, and businesses with high-speeds comparable to urban areas. Fibre technology is highly reliable, as it’s less prone to weather and infrastructure interference and maintains consistent performance even during peak usage times.

FTTH requires a fibre-optic modem (ONT) and a compatible router to connect devices to the internet. If you elect to sign up for EH!tel services, you’ll be provided with everything you need to get connected with FTTH.
FTTH provides the speed and bandwidth needed to connect multiple smart devices without slowing down your network, allowing for peace of mind and ultimate convenience.

Through this project, nearly 11,000 rural dwellings will gain access to cutting-edge FTTH technology, offering residents a suite of high-performance telecommunication services that include super-fast internet with speeds up to 1GB, enabling seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming without interruptions, along with HD Television and reliable Home Phone.

As construction commences in each segment, which brings the fibre technology to the edge of the property, we will contact homeowners to request access to your property to prepare it for fibre access. There is no cost or obligation to sign with us – we just require access should the property owners choose to be connected in the future.

Construction is underway and will continue to expand throughout rural communities in Grey County in 2025. Installation involves laying fibre-optic cables to your home, as well as providing consent to EH!tel Networks to bring fibre up to your residence from the road. Once fibre has been installed, residents can sign up and bundle to save on our full suite of services.

Map of build segments in Owen Sound
Click image to expand

Is your property getting an upgrade?

Construction work to bury fibre cables has begun in your community and will continue across Grey County throughout 2025 until the project is completed.

We want to make sure we get your home connected while the construction is happening. There will be no cost to you and any affected areas of your property will be restored to the pre-construction state.

Fill out our online consent form in just 2 minutes! Not sure if your address is included? Get in touch with us.