Rogers Makes Deal with Ontario Province for 300 Cell Towers

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The province of Ontario, Canada has struck a deal with telecom giant Rogers Communications to build 300 new cell towers, Rogers announced. The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) have partnered with Rogers in a deal that will deliver wireless connectivity to 99 percent of Eastern Ontario in both urban and rural locations.

“Reliable cell service in our region will improve our health and safety, and lead to economic growth. Our community has been firmly behind the EORN cell gap project, and I am thankful to my colleagues in neighbouring ridings for championing it,” stated The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. “This project will connect the residents of Eastern Ontario to fast, reliable cellular service. In addition to this, the Government of Canada is connecting Ontarians to high-speed internet by committing over $233 million into 23 projects that will connect 33,649 households across the province.” 

In addition to the 300 new cell towers Rogers plans to construct, it will also be upgrading at least 300 others throughout the region. The project, described by Rogers as the largest private-public partnership in the history of wireless delivery in Canada, is slated to take five years to complete and comes with a substantial price tag. Rogers plans to invest C$150 million. An additional $71 million each will be contributed by federal and provincial governments, with $10 million more given by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus.

“We are delighted to name Rogers as our telecommunications partner on this vital infrastructure project,” said J. Murray Jones, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network. “Rogers has exceeded our expectations in terms of their investment to improve the region’s cellular infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment and passion for a stronger eastern Ontario.”

“Eastern Ontario has waited long enough for reliable connectivity,” said The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why today’s announcement of the partnership between the Eastern Ontario Regional Network and Rogers Communications brings hope and optimism for residents.” Scott added, “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.” 

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