Two major projects to improve internet access for business, home and cellular are moving through various steps in eastern Ontario.
At the virtual meeting of Hastings County Council on Thursday, CAO Jim Pine reported on the progress indicating the one to improve cellular networks for mobile devices around the region is moving forward.
There are two bids, one from Rogers and one from Bell Mobility.
They are going through an assessment right now.
Pine says whether you’re travelling anywhere in Eastern Ontario and need to use your cell or tablet you could do so, without blind spots that happen now.
“The cell project is about improving cellular networks for mobile devices around the region. So whether you’re travelling or driving through Eastern Ontario in a location and you need to use your cell phone or tablet. It’s using the cell networks to do that.”
“Now what we’re trying to do is close those gaps where there’s no coverage or very poor coverage. And also boost the capacity in those cell networks. So you can do a face-time call. You can download or upload video.”
Pine expects a decision could be made early in the new year and the project would roll out over five years.
The Gig project would bring fibre cable to businesses and homes to give certainty of service.
“With the Gig project, the Wardens’ Caucus and EORN’s proposal is really to bring fibre (cable)) to the home, or coax cable, to people’s homes and businesses that would deliver up to a minimum to 1,000 megabits per second, which is a Gig which is obviously substantial. “
“You know that gives certainty of service. For instance, you can count on it to deliver. It’s not dependent on a line of sight.”
Pine adds, “It’s all part of the connectivity puzzle, if I can put it that way, or solution, but they’re different approaches. The one is about getting traditional internet to your home or business through a cable or piece of fibre. The cell network is about making sure you can use your mobile device in Eastern Ontario.”
