Today's announcement is part of the EORN Cell Gap Project, a $300-million public-private partnership aimed at enhancing and expanding cellular services in rural eastern Ontario. Approximately $152 million for the project comes from the federal and provincial governments, municipal members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) and most of the Eastern Ontario Mayors' Caucus (EOMC). Rogers Communications, chosen through a competitive bidding process, will contribute the remaining investment.

The EORN Cell Gap Project is a wireless expansion project boosting public safety and improving navigation on rural roads. Through this project, Rogers Communications is constructing around 332 new cell towers, which include both newly built and co-located sites shared with other providers. 222 new towers are now offering services in the region. Additionally, all upgrades to 311 existing sites in the project have been completed with state-of-the-art 5G equipment delivering essential services to more municipalities, Indigenous communities and visitors across eastern Ontario.

"Canadians increasingly rely on high-speed networks to access opportunities, essential services and online communities," said Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament for Prescott - Russell - Cumberland, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. "By expanding modern 5G services to more rural communities across eastern Ontario, we are supporting a more productive economy and greater safety for residents."

"Congratulations to the hard-working teams at the Eastern Ontario Regional Network and Rogers Communications on the successful completion of thirty-four new 5G cellular towers," said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. "Our support for this project is enhancing and expanding reliable cell service in rural, remote, and First Nation communities in the region. This work is vital to providing families, businesses, and visitors a secure connection to essential services and promoting local growth for years to come."

"Today's announcement marks another win for families, businesses and communities across eastern Ontario," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "By expanding fast, reliable connectivity, we're boosting public safety, supporting economic growth, and making sure rural and Indigenous communities are connected and ready for the future. This is how we're building momentum and driving the region forward."

"Thirty-four additional towers now offering service in the region is another important step in closing the cell service gaps that have challenged our residents, businesses, and first responders for far too long," said Jennifer Murphy, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network. "Reliable connectivity is essential for public safety, economic development, and quality of life in our communities. We're proud to be working with our government and private sector partners to deliver this critical infrastructure."

"We are proud to connect more residents and businesses in Eastern Ontario communities to Canada's largest and most reliable 5G network, working with our government partners and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network," said Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers.