Members of Lennox and Addington County Council were delighted by the provincial funding announcement of $71 million to expand and improve wireless broadband infrastructure across Eastern Ontario.

Last week, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Monte McNaughton announced that the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) will receive the funding to help fill gaps in mobile broadband coverage. Currently there are significant gaps in both the reach and capacity of mobile broadband networks across areas of rural Eastern Ontario including significant gaps in Lennox and Addington.

Lennox and Addington County has been part of EORN, a non-profit organization created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) since its inception ten years ago.  Over that period EORN has successful improved broadband access to nearly 90% of Eastern Ontario through a $175 million fixed broadband network funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments and private sector service providers.

Currently EORN has developed a $213 million public-private partnership to improve both the reach and quality of mobile broadband services in the region.  In 2018 Lennox and Addington County Council committed approximately $450,000 as its share of the $10 million contribution to be made by EOWC municipalities.  With the province providing one-third of the project funding, EORN is also seeking one-third federal funding support. The balance of the funding is expected to be provided by mobile carriers, who will be selected through a competitive bidding process.

Connectivity is a key service that is valued and expected from our existing local residents and businesses. Fixing the mobile service gaps is expected to improve access to public services throughout Lennox and Addington County such as education, health care and municipal services.

 “The improvement of broadband infrastructure is crucial for our rural communities to thrive,” stated Warden Eric Smith. “Whether it be at home, work or on the road, improving mobile broadband service is critically important to community safety, job creation and economic growth in Lennox and Addington County.”

 

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For more information, please contact:

Eric Smith
Warden
County of Lennox and Addington
613-354-4883

Brenda Orchard
Chief Administrative Officer
County of Lennox and Addington
613-354-4883