Partners

Above all, EORN is based on partnership and collaboration – between governments, private sector and other key stakeholders. It is through effective partnership that EORN works to spur investment and improvements to the quality of life and economic growth of the region.

All of our partners are motivated by the common understanding that rural connectivity is critical to the future of our communities, our province and our nation. Given the challenges of serving broad, sparsely-populated regions, the government and private sector must work together.

 

Cell Gap Project

 

EORN is spearheading a $300-million public-private partnership to improve cell service across the region. Through Infrastructure Canada, the federal government is contributing $71 million to expand cellular coverage and capacity across the region. The Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, is also contributing $71 million. All Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) members and most municipalities within the  Eastern Ontario Mayors' Caucus (EOMC) are contributing to the $10 million municipal share.

EORN has partnered with Rogers Communications Inc. to deliver the Cell Gap Project. Rogers has committed to investing over $150 million to improve cellular services throughout the eastern Ontario region. Rogers was selected through a competitive bidding process.

 

Broadband Phase 1 (2010-2015)

From 2010 to 2015, EORN led an innovative public-private partnership that resulted in a $175-million network that improved broadband access to about 90% of eastern Ontario. The federal and provincial governments each contributed $55 million to the project. The EOWC and the EOMC all contributed towards the $10 million municipal share of the broadband project.

Private sector service providers were integral partners in expanding connectivity during the broadband project. Selected through a competitive bidding process aimed at identifying the partner(s) who could deliver the most coverage as efficiently as possible, a number of internet service providers participated in the initial project. EORN was proud to partner with Bell Aliant, Bell, Cogeco Cable Inc., Nexicom, Storm Internet, Utilities Kingston, and Xplornet, who together invested well over $57 million in the eastern Ontario region. Service level agreements remain in place until 2024 to ensure these partners uphold the conditions of the government funding.

 

Indigenous Communities and Organizations

EORN staff are dedicated to ensuring that local Indigenous communities and organizations share in the improved connectivity benefits of EORN's initiatives. In the Phase 1 project, EORN worked with Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation to develop special projects that improved service within these communities. With the current Cell Gap Project, discussions with Indigenous communities and organizations are underway to determine any special projects or needs for the cellular expansion project.

 

OR.... 

 

Government of Canada
  • Through Infrastructure Canada, the federal government contributed $55 million to EORN's first project (Phase 1) to expand fixed broadband access.
  • Since that time, it has established a National Broadband Strategy.
  • Through Infrastructure Canada, the federal government is contributing $71 million to expand cellular coverage and capacity across the region in EORN's Cell Gap Project.

Government of Ontario
  • The provincial government contributed $55 million to EORN's Phase 1 broadband project.
  • Through the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Government of Ontario is now contributing $71 million to expand cellular coverage and capacity across the region through EORN's Cell Gap Project.
  • A Contribution Agreement sets out the conditions for the funding and ensures accountability.

Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) and Eastern Ontario Mayors' Caucus (EOMC)
  • The Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus is comprised of 13 upper-tier governments in rural eastern Ontario. It created EORN to lead and coordinate the effort to improve connectivity across the region.
  • The EOWC and members of the EOMC all contributed towards the $10 million municipal share of the EORN Phase 1 broadband project.
  • All EOWC members and most municipalities within the Eastern Ontario Mayors' Caucus are contributing to the $10 million municipal share to the cellular expansion project.

Indigenous Communities and Organizations
  • EORN staff are dedicated to ensuring that local Indigenous communities and organizations share in the improved connectivity benefits of the network.
  • In Phase 1, EORN worked with the Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation to develop special projects that improved service within these communities.
  • Discussions with Indigenous communities and organizations are underway to determine any special projects for the cellular expansion project.

Private Sector Partners
  • Private sector service providers are a critical partner in expanding connectivity. EORN selects partners through a competitive bidding process aimed at identifying the partner who can deliver the most coverage as efficiently as possible.
  • Phase 1 of EORN project could not have succeeded without internet service providers stepping up to make their own investment in the project - valued at well over $57 million. These providers included Bell Aliant, Bell, Xplornet, Storm Internet, Nexicom, Cogeco Cable Inc., and Utilities Kingston.
  • Services level agreements ensure that partners uphold conditions of the funding. For Phase 1, service level agreements run until 2024.
  • For the EORN Cell Gap Project, we have partnered with Rogers Communications Inc. who are investing more than $150 million in the eastern Ontario region to improve cellular services.