The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and Rogers Communications have announced the launch of 5G services in communities across eastern Ontario, with 34 towers being completed.
The announcement is part of the EORN’s Cell Gap Project, a $300 million public-private partnership aimed at enhancing and expanding cellular services in rural communities across eastern Ontario, spanning from the City of Kawartha Lakes, to the County of Lennox and Addington and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation near Ottawa.
Rogers states that approximately $152 million of the project’s funding comes from the federal and provincial governments, members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and most of the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC). Rogers Communications is funding the remaining project costs.
According to the press release, the EORN Cell Gap Project is a wireless expansion project that aims to boost public safety and improve navigation on rural roads. The EORN, a non-profit organization founded by the EOWC in 2010, focuses on attracting both public and private funding to improve connectivity in rural communities.
Through this project, Rogers Communications is building around 332 new cell towers, including both newly constructed and co-located sites shared with other providers.
According to Rogers, 222 new towers are now offering services in the region. Rogers also adds that 311 towers in the project have been upgraded with 5G equipment, which the telecom giant states will provide services to both municipalities and indigenous communities.
