Working toward the improved cellular services that will help rural communities participate in the digital economy, create jobs and improve public safety, the Eastern Ontario Regional Network has issued the first RFP to build new cellular infrastructure.
The competitive bidding process will help identify the best telecommunication partners to offer both the expertise and the best value for expanded cell coverage in areas where people live, work and travel, the announcement stated.
Federal and provincial governments have committed $71-million each toward the $213-million public-private partnership to improve both the reach and the quality of mobile broadcast services in the region. All members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus (among them, Northumberland County Warden Bob Sanderson) and most municipalities within their area are contributing the $10-million municipal share. Mobile carriers are expected to provide the balance of the funding.
The press release listed some significant gaps that currently exist in Eastern Ontario.
Forty per cent of the area does not have access to high-definition services that allow streaming HD video.
Twenty per cent of the area does not have access to standard-definition video, typical mobile-app use and video-app calling.
Ten per cent has no voice-calling service.
The press release said market failure is to blame, as rural areas don't generate enough revenue for mobile carriers to build adequate service.
The CRTC recently designated both mobile and fixed broadband as basic services for all Canadians. This public-private partnership will reduce carrier infrastructure costs to create a stronger business case for improving services and meeting these basic CRTC goals.
The EORN initiative applies to a geographic area that includes 13 members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (representing 11 regional county municipalities and two single-tier municipalities) and nine separated municipalities.
