EGANVILLE, ON, Oct. 23,
2024 /CNW/ - The Eastern Ontario Regional Network
(EORN) and Rogers Communications announced today that Rogers 5G
mobile services are now available in more communities across
eastern Ontario. Since
May 1, 2024, thirty-two new cell
towers and an additional upgrade to an existing site are completed,
and now offer Rogers 5G mobile services to residents, businesses
and visitors.
Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in many parts of our
region with new service available in:
County of Frontenac
County of Haliburton
County of Hastings
County of Lanark
County of Lennox and Addington
County of Peterborough
County of Renfrew
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
City of Quinte West
United Counties of Prescott and
Russell
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
Muskoka
South Algonquin
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan
Curve Lake First Nation
Hiawatha First Nation
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Today's announcement is part of the EORN Cell Gap Project, a
$300-million public-private
partnership aimed at enhancing and expanding cellular services in
rural eastern Ontario.
Approximately $152 million for the
project comes from the federal and provincial governments,
municipal members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) and
most of the Eastern Ontario Mayors' Caucus (EOMC). Rogers
Communications, chosen through a competitive bidding process, will
contribute the remaining investment.
The EORN Cell Gap Project is a wireless expansion project
boosting public safety and improving navigation on rural and remote
roads. Through this project, Rogers Communications is constructing
around 332 new cell towers, which include both newly built and
co-located sites shared with other providers. 132 new towers are
now offering services in the region. Additionally, 310 of 312
existing sites in the project have been upgraded with
state-of-the-art 5G equipment delivering essential services to more
municipalities, Indigenous communities and visitors across eastern
Ontario.
"Modern, high-speed digital networks are part of the federal
government's strategy to create opportunities for rural communities
that support greater national prosperity," said the Honourable Sean
Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. "These
new cell towers across eastern Ontario will boost access to business
opportunities, essential services and education, while supporting
safer roads."
"Our government is building a stronger, more connected
Ontario by delivering reliable
cellular services for families, businesses and residents across
eastern Ontario," said the
Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's
Minister of Infrastructure. "By investing in EORN's Cell Gap
Project and working closely with our municipal partners, new and
upgraded cellular infrastructure is now in service across eastern
Ontario, giving local businesses
the ability to participate in a global marketplace while connecting
families and residents with their loved ones."
"With the completion of these new towers and upgrades to
existing towers, the EORN Cell Gap Project is now almost sixty-nine
percent completed. EORN has met a significant milestone in closing
cellular coverage gaps across eastern Ontario. This critical infrastructure not only
strengthens our region's ability to stay connected but also
enhances public safety and supports local businesses and residents.
We are proud of the collaborative efforts that have brought us
closer to our goal of reliable cell service for all communities in
eastern Ontario," said EORN Chair
Jennifer Murphy.
"We are proud to bring 5G services to more residents and
businesses in Eastern Ontario
communities, working with our government partners and the Eastern
Ontario Regional Network. With over 130 new towers and 310 tower
upgrades to date, we continue to invest to expand Canada's largest and most reliable network so
people can connect when and where they want," said Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer,
Rogers.
About EORN
Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) strives to fuel economic
development and growth by working regionally to improve and
leverage broadband access and cell connectivity. EORN is a
non-profit organization created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens'
Caucus (EOWC). Since 2010, it has helped bring hundreds of millions
of dollars in federal, provincial and private sector investment to
improve connectivity across the rural region.
As part of its Cell Gap Project, EORN is working with Indigenous
communities to ensure that new cell infrastructure is built with
respect for Indigenous treaty rights and heritage. Based on input
from several First Nations, EORN has committed to exceeding
industry practice, and is conducting archaeological assessments on
most new tower sites.
From 2010 to 2014, EORN helped to enhance broadband access for
nearly 90 per cent of eastern Ontario through a $175
million public-private partnership. The network was funded
by federal, provincial, and municipal governments and private
sector service providers. By the end of the project, 423,000 homes
and businesses were able to access services of up to 10 Mbps
download. It also spurred an additional $100
million of private sector investment in the region beyond
initial commitments.
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada's leading
wireless, cable and media company that provides connectivity and
entertainment to Canadian consumers and businesses across the
country. Rogers shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock
Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit: rogers.com or
investors.rogers.com.
SOURCE Eastern Ontario Regional Network
