1. Mobile Connectivity: Eastern Ontario’s Path to Building Stronger and Safer Communities

2. 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

3. Coverage & Capacity Gaps
Current Coverage
Current Capacity
(As of capacity shortage continues to grow.)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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