The following media release was received from Renfrew-Nippising-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski on Mar.19:
EORN announces Rogers Communications as the successful proponent for the Cell Gap Project RFP
Rural Ontario will now have more reliable cellular services as a result of Ontario’s $71 million investment. Local MPP of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, John Yakabuski joins the Governments of Canada and Ontario, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus to celebrate the awarding of the Cell Gap Project RFP created by Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN). Rogers Communications has been selected as the successful bidder. Above from left MPP John Yakabuski, County of Renfrew Warden Debbie Robinson, MP Cheryl Gallant. Photo submitted
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates our government’s commitment to building stronger infrastructure in rural Ontario,” said MPP Yakabuski. “The $71 million investment in reliable cellular service is needed now more than ever- to provide businesses with better connectivity to their customers and families with peace of mind knowing they can contact someone in an emergency or on the go.”
The Cell Gap Project will improve cellular service for residents and businesses across the region by expanding cellular data coverage and capacity to better support the use of smartphone applications for video streaming and file transmission.
“Eastern Ontario has waited long enough for reliable connectivity. That’s why this announcement of the partnership between EORN and Rogers Communications brings hope and optimism for residents,” said Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “This partnership is one more step towards delivering better connectivity for families and individuals and is an example of the decisive action we’re taking to connect more people.”
Rogers Communications was awarded the project through a bidding process led by the EORN that called upon skilled and experienced telecommunication service providers to submit cost effective proposals.
With a $71 million investment from the Government of Ontario and additional investments from other levels of government and Rogers Communications, the Cell Gap Project is now worth more than $300 million.
Now, over 300 new telecommunication sites will be built, and more than 300 existing sites will be upgraded across the region over the next five years. EORN anticipates that construction will begin this spring with the project being completed in 2025.
Ferizovic,R.(2021,Mar.19) Ontario Celebrates the Partnership Between the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and Rogers Communications that will help Eliminate the Cell Gap [media release]
