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Construction begins on Eastern Ontario’s broadband Mega-Network

August 31, 2010 | By Anthony Capkun


August 31, 2010

“Ontario’s largest rural broadband network is ready to begin construction,” reads the opening line from a press release issued by Infrastructure Canada. “The high-speed Internet infrastructure project will connect with local delivery systems to expand service to an estimated one million residents and businesses in Eastern Ontario.”

Chuck Strahl, Canada’s minister of transport and infrastructure, and
Carol Mitchell, Ontario’s minister of agriculture, food and rural
affairs—together with Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc. (EOWC)—moved
forward on a partnership to start construction of the broadband network
in Eastern Ontario. EOWC comprises the 13 upper- and single-tier
municipalities within Eastern Ontario, as well as separated
municipalities and First Nations communities.

“Our government remains committed to delivering investments that help
create jobs and build strong, sustainable communities now and for years
to come,” said Strahl. “The construction of a broadband network in
Eastern Ontario will help to expand and improve local businesses and
their services, connect family and friends to one another, and
significantly boost our regional economy.”

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The service area for this broadband network project includes the
counties of Hastings, Peterborough, Renfrew, Northumberland, Haliburton,
Frontenac, Lanark, Prince Edward, Lennox & Addington, the United
Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, the United Counties of
Prescott & Russell and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
as well as the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“Providing broadband access to residents, businesses and First Nations
communities is one of the keys to unlocking the enormous economic
potential of our region. This network is essential to our prosperity,”
said David Burton, EOWC chair.

“Bell Aliant and Bell are pleased to have been selected to complete this
significant communications infrastructure project together for the
homes and businesses of Eastern Ontario,” said Chuck Hartlen, senior VP
customer solutions, Bell Aliant. “By building this core backbone fiber
network—and by using our extensive communications and technology
expertise—we will be enabling access to faster, next-generation
broadband technology to 95% of this Eastern Ontario region.”


CLICK HERE
to learn more about the EOWC Broadband Plan and construction schedule.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Ontario’s Rural Broadband Progress.


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