Renfrew County to Receive Improved Cellular Connectivity

Eastern Ontario Regional Network Awards Contract to Rogers Communications

Pembroke: Warden of the County of Renfrew and Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Debbie Robinson was joined by MP Cheryl Gallant and MPP John Yakabuski last week to celebrate the announcement by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) of a $300 million investment that will improve both the reach and quality of cellular services throughout the region.

The investment is being made with contributions of $150 million from Rogers Communications, $71 million each from the federal and provincial governments, an additional $10 million from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and most municipalities within the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus. Rogers Communications was selected as the successful bidder through a competitive process to identify telecommunications partners who offered both expertise and best value to expand cell coverage.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the federal and provincial governments for their support, and thank Rogers Communications for coming to the table with a far-reaching solution that will help Renfrew County keep up with growing demand for cell calling and data services. While we initiated the project well before COVID-19, we know it will be key for local economic recovery and to improve quality of life and public safety for our community,” shared Warden Debbie Robinson. “I also want to acknowledge the support of Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke’s MPP, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry the Honorable John Yakabuski, for his continued assistance in moving many projects of the EOWC forward.”

“Improving cellular connectivity in our community has long been a priority, I am pleased that the Province of Ontario along with our federal, municipal and private partners have come together to deliver a project that will bring help to deliver economic investment and recovery, provide safer travel, and assist residents to stay connected,” shared MPP John Yakabuski.

The Warden also thanked MPP Cheryl Gallant who has also been an ardent supporter of both the cell gap project and improved broadband service.

“This announcement brings the opportunity for the residents, businesses and visitors to our area to keep pace with technology, and will deliver more reliable communications that will help to drive growth, assist in economic development and make our community safer,” said MP Cheryl Gallant.

The Project is designed to improve cell quality and coverage across a large portion of Eastern Ontario that encompasses an area of approximately 50,000 square kilometers and includes 113 municipalities and First Nations communities. The project will involve the construction of more than 300 new telecommunication sites and will upgrade more than 300 existing sites over the next four to five years.

Upgrades and construction will begin as early as this spring. Powered by Ericsson, Rogers brings the latest generation in 5G wireless network technology, which over time will deliver unprecedented speed, instant response times, and fast, reliable connections that transform how people live and work. New services will be activated as groups of towers are built or upgraded. The project is to be completed in 2025.

The project aims to provide:

• 99 per cent of the area with voice calling services.
•  At least 95 per cent of the area with standard-definition (SD) level services, such as video-app calls, basic app usage and streaming of SD video.
• At least 85 per cent of the area with service levels that can support streaming high-definition video and more data-intensive apps.

EORN, a non-profit created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), The Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC) is made up of the Mayors of the 11 urban municipalities in Eastern Ontario. These organizations work with governments and community organizations to improve and leverage broadband access to fuel economic development and growth in Eastern Ontario.

Visit their websites for more information on the EOWC, EORN, and EOMC.

For Media Inquiries please call:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288
Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288