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One of the first internet-service providers in Norfolk County and all of Canada is under new ownership.
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This week, KWIC Internet, of Simcoe, confirmed it has sold its business to Rogers Communications of Toronto. Mark Rapley, KWIC’s director of operations, said the sale closed last month. Rapley said the management team agreed to a sale as they “transition to other opportunities.”
“Our local team is perfectly positioned to bridge the digital divide and reduce the connectivity gaps we see in rural Ontario,” Rapley said. “We are pleased to work with Rogers as we continue to meet the needs of our customers while growing, improving services, and connecting more communities now and into the future.”
The KWIC workforce has grown to 25. The company’s service area includes Norfolk, Haldimand, Brant and Oxford counties.
KWIC began as a computer retailer in downtown Simcoe in 1983. The company expanded into software development, managed internet technology and systems integration on behalf of clients, and later branched into telecom services.
KWIC is “a full-range residential and business telecom provider, offering a complete suite of services for small- and medium-sized enterprises, alongside a locally-serviced and supported internet, television, and a home-phone bundle for home,” Rapley said by way of background.
Along with Bell Canada Enterprises and Telus Communications, Rogers Communications has long been among the three largest telecommunications providers in Canada. The World Atlas website says Rogers surpassed 10 million customers in 2016.