KAWARTHA LAKES-The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) issued the first Request for Proposal to build new cellular infrastructure today.
The competitive bidding process will identify telecommunication partners who offer both the expertise and value for expanded cell coverage in areas where people live, work and travel.
Officials say there are currently significant gaps in both the reach and capacity of mobile broadband networks across areas of rural Eastern Ontario where people live, work or travel including:
- 40 per cent of the area does not have access to high-definition services that allow streaming HD video.
- 20 per cent of the area does not have access to standard definition video, typical mobile app use and video app calling.
- 10 per cent has no voice calling service.
Reps for EORN say the gaps are the result of market failure because rural areas don’t generate enough revenue for mobile carriers to build adequate services.
“The demand for mobile broadband is growing exponentially, but our region is deeply lacking the needed infrastructure to keep up. Improved cell service has been the EOWC’s top priority and it is gratifying to see this RFP issued. Ultimately, we want to improve economic growth, quality of life and public safety for our communities.” said EOWC Chair Andy Letham, Mayor City of Kawartha Lakes.
The CRTC recently designated both mobile and fixed broadband as basic services for all Canadians. The public-private partnership will reduce carriers’ infrastructure costs, creating a stronger business case to improve services and meet the CRTC’s basic services goals.
The federal and provincial governments have committed $71 million each to the $213 million public-private partnership to improve both the reach and quality of mobile broadband services in the region.
“Now more than ever, our government understands that families and businesses in Ontario need to be connected to prosper in this 21st century digital economy. This project will take a number of years to complete, but that’s why we’re working with our federal and municipal partners today, to solicit proposals from service providers to improve cellular connectivity for those families and businesses in the future.” says The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure.
All members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and most municipalities within the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus are contributing to the $10 million municipal share. Mobile carriers are expected to provide the balance of the funding.
EORN is a non-profit created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), helped to improve broadband access to nearly 90% of Eastern Ontario through a $175 million public private partnership. The initiative applies to a geographic area that includes 13 members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (11 regional county municipalities and two single-tier municipalities), and nine separated municipalities.
“Members of the Mayors’ Caucus understand that for our region to keep pace with technology, we need to ensure we have not only minimum cell coverage, but enough capacity to meet the rapid growth in demand for mobile broadband. Our communities’ success will depend on being able to engage in the digital economy.” stated EOMC Chair Bryan Paterson.
