Improved High-Speed Internet Now Available In Haliburton and Hastings Counties

News Release

August 6, 2014 – Minden, Ontario – Infrastructure Canada

Residents and businesses in Haliburton and Hastings counties are celebrating the news today that improved high-speed Internet service is now available in their area. The reach and speed of existing DSL networks have been expanded to provide download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second through a new fibre optic cable network, with new or improved access points made possible through the Eastern Ontario Regional Network project. A satellite solution provides connectivity to speeds of up to 10 Mbps in areas that do not have access to the wired service.

Thanks to a joint investment from the governments of Canada and Ontario, the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Inc., and private sector partners, over 34,800 homes and businesses across the area now have access to the service, enabling the use of the latest web-based applications, and information and entertainment resources. This is one of many areas across Eastern Ontario to receive improved high-speed Internet access through Ontario's largest rural broadband network project.

The entire project is helping to improve high-speed access throughout the nearly 50,000 square kilometres of Eastern Ontario, a region encompassing the counties of Haliburton, Hastings, Peterborough, Renfrew, Northumberland, Frontenac, Lanark, Prince Edward, Lennox and Addington, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, as well as the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $55 million through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component.
The Government of Ontario is contributing up to $55 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Fund.
The Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Inc. and private sector partners will contribute the remaining funding of the total project cost of $170 million.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to be contributing to the development of improved Internet access across Eastern Ontario, which will provide individuals and communities with opportunities for educational advancement, economic development and innovation. This service ultimately improves quality of life and supports economic growth across our region."

- Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock

"It is clear to the Ontario government how crucial high-speed Internet is to the success of rural communities. Through this project, residents and local business in Haliburton and Hastings Counties will now have access to broadband services that will bring new opportunities to this area. Ontario's continued investments in modern infrastructure are helping deliver services to eastern Ontario communities, providing them with the tools they need to succeed and grow."

- Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland—Quinte West

"The project is spurring new investments in hard-to serve areas by Internet service providers. In addition, we've expanded the project to include new fibre optic connections to business parks. This will create added opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive in our communities."

- Jean Paul St. Pierre, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Inc. (EOWC)

"With low densities and high seasonal populations, the scenic communities of Haliburton, Hastings North and Dorset have traditionally been underserved. Through EORN, we have expanded DSL access in these areas, as well as negotiated special satellite packages for the region, to improve affordability."

- David Burton, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN)

"Today's launch of high-speed Internet in the Haliburton, Dorset and Hastings North Zones is the culmination of a joint effort by Bell Aliant, EOWC and our government partners. We look forward to serving the residents of communities in Haliburton, Dorset and Hastings North with new and improved broadband services."

- Peter Dilworth, VP Finance and Chief Procurement Officer, Bell Aliant

"Xplornet's investment in 4G satellite service means that no matter where you live, you can take advantage of the transformative benefits of real high-speed internet. No one will be left behind. EORN deserves a great deal of credit for having accelerated full and affordable broadband across Haliburton and Hastings counties."

- Chris Harlond, Ontario Director of Sales, Xplornet Communications Inc.

Associated links

For additional information about the federal Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing infrastructure in your area.
For additional information about the Eastern Ontario Regional Network.
For information on Bell Alliant.
For information on Xplornet.
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Bryan Bossin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Affairs of Ontario
416-326-3072

Lisa Severson
Eastern Ontario Regional Network
613-213-8520

Mark Duggan
Bell Aliant
709-687-3136

Morten Paulsen
Xplornet Communications
403-453-0062
morten@paulsengroup.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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2016-12-14

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Improved High-Speed Internet Now Available In Haliburton and Hastings Counties

News Release

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