Mobile Connectivity: Eastern Ontario’s Path to Building Stronger and Safer Communities
The Cell Gap Problem Today in our region where there are homes, businesses, and major roadways: 18% do not have cell coverage from any existing networks 16% have limited service from one provider (no competition) 65% do not have enough capacity to meet demand for cell data services
Coverage & Capacity Gaps Current Coverage Current Capacity (As of 2016 - capacity shortage continues to grow.)
What Is Being Proposed? A $299 million plan to improve cell service: Grow the region’s economy and create jobs (+3,000) Improve public safety (Public Safety Broadband) Improve delivery of health care and education Support Ontario’s push to 5G & the new digital economy
Public-Private Approach Funding Partners Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus/ Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus Government of Canada Government of Ontario Mobile Carriers EORN: Project Administrator Manage contribution agreements Manage RFP process Manage contracts and oversee build Long-term contract compliance Community engagement and communication
Why Now? Public demand for mobile connectivity is growing exponentially Businesses/economic development depend on connectivity Public service delivery is evolving (e.g. intelligent roadways)
Why Now? CRTC has mandated mobile broadband as an essential service Public safety depends on connectivity contact emergency services from anywhere seamless digital communication between services
A Proven Model The Eastern Ontario Regional Network developed unique public-private partnership to address fixed broadband gaps: 5,500-km fibre optic network across region 140,000+ new subscribers Since $170M project was completed, telecoms have invested another $100M in Eastern Ontario, with even more in the pipeline
Regional Support Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus’ #1 priority Presented to Federal and Provincial Governments in May 2017 – positive feedback but still waiting for funding commitments 30+ supportive local resolutions Community support essential