Eastern Ontario’s Regional Broadband Network Project Moves Forward Ahead of Schedule

County of Renfrew, Ontario - The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) today celebrated completion of its first local wireless broadband network. The construction project – completed five months ahead of schedule – expands high-speed Internet coverage to 8,000 local residents and business in the southern half of the United Counties of Prescott & Russell. This is the first of 15 areas to receive high-speed Internet access through the project.

Renfrew County is part of EORN – Ontario’s largest rural broadband network project and it is expected that residents in Eastern Ontario will receive high-speed Internet by the end of December 2013.

 “It is encouraging to see the project making steady progress. We look forward to the day when we will also benefits from improved access to high-speed Internet, which is essential to the success of our community,” said Renfrew County Warden Bob Sweet.

“Today’s launch is an important step toward our goal of providing higher speeds and bandwidth to at least 95 per cent of homes in Eastern Ontario,” said J. Murray Jones, Chair of the EOWC. “Broadband access will improve the quality of life for our residents and help businesses thrive.”

“We are excited to launch high-speed Internet access in the Embrun Zone a full four months ahead of schedule and we’re looking forward to completing work on the remaining 14 EORN Zones,” said Dave Burton, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN).

The Eastern Ontario Regional Network project is a $170 million initiative funded by federal, provincial and municipal governments and private sector contributions. Work to build a massive, 5,500-km fibre optic network is well underway and contracts have also been signed to deliver high-speed via satellite at improved pricing.

Once fully up and running, a variety of service packages will be offered, ranging from 1.5 Mbps to up to 10 Mbps. These speeds will enable users to stream video and other innovative applications that will support various sectors, including business, health and education.

– 30 –

For more information:

Lisa Severson, Communications & Stakeholder Relations Officer, EORN
(613) 213-8520, lseverson@eorn.ca
Jim Hutton, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288, jhutton@countyofrenfrew.on.ca

Backgrounder:  Eastern Ontario Regional Network