Broadband Phase 1 (2010-2015)
From 2010 to 2015, EORN built a $175-million network that improved broadband access to about 90% of Eastern Ontario. The innovative public-private partnership was funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and private sector service providers.
EORN includes:
- A scalable 5,500-km fibre optic backbone network.
- Nearly two dozen local access networks that link people to the backbone through either wired or fixed wireless technology. The service coverage map shows which ISPs partnered to expand services where.
- More affordable satellite packages to reach areas that wireless or wired service cannot due to extreme population scarcity and/or difficult terrain.
- New fibre optic connections to more than 60 business parks and clusters across the region, improving communities' ability to attract and retain local business.
Results of the project:
- Once completed, the network was valued at more than $260 million as a result of private sector, in-kind contributions. The number of broadband subscribers in the region continues to grow and was more than 140,000 in 2018.
- As part of ongoing commitments to the initial broadband project, EORN will oversee contracts with private sector partners until 2024. Since 2015, partners have made additional network upgrades valued at more than $100 million, with more planned.