Ontario Expands Eastern Ontario’s 5G Network with 34 New Cell Towers
December 8, 2025
New infrastructure delivers faster, more reliable service for residents, businesses and visitors across eastern Ontario
LANARK COUNTY– Today, the Ontario government, in partnership with the Canadian government,
the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and Rogers Communications, announced the launch
of 34 new 5G cell towers since May 2025, serving communities across eastern Ontario. With these
towers now operational, thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors in the region will benefit
from improved speed and reliability on the Rogers 5G network.
“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 is part of the EORN Cell Gap Project, a $300-million public-private
partnership aimed at strengthening cellular services across rural eastern Ontario. Approximately
$152 million is being supplied by 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 fund the
remaining investment.
“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.”
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.
220 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.
“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.”
As part of its Cell Gap Project, EORN is working with Indigenous communities to ensure that new cell infrastructure is built with respect for Indigenous treaty rights and heritage. Based on input from several First Nations, EORN has committed to exceeding industry practice, and is conducting archaeological assessments on most new tower sites.
QUICK FACTS
- EORN was created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and has completed major projects to build a high-capacity fibre-optic backbone network in Eastern Ontario.
- EORN strives to fuel economic development and growth by working regionally to improve and leverage broadband access and cell connectivity.
- The EORN Cell Gap project is expected to be complete by August 2026.
QUOTES
“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. 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.”
Jennifer Murphy, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network.
“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.”
Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Communications
“Through the state-of-the-art 5G equipment that is being used to provide more cellular service to our local communities, residents in our region will benefit directly from improved connection, expanded opportunities, and greater safety.”
Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte
“I want to give a huge shout-out to the local ISPs in our riding who have stepped up to meet the challenges of connecting our Rural Landscape” said John Jordan MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “Storm Internet is building and upgrading cellular towers to bring next generation fixed wireless access to the rural residents of Lanark County. Kingston Online Services and WTC are expanding 5G coverage in Frontenac- Kingston. Our local providers are bringing the technology and the service needed to ensure reliable connectivity in all areas of our riding.”
John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
“Today’s announcement marks another huge step in connecting our communities across Eastern Ontario. Expanding access to reliable, high-speed 5G service isn’t just about faster downloads—it’s about ensuring our families can access essential healthcare, our students can learn remotely, and our local businesses can compete in the modern economy. This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when all levels of government and the private sector work together to bridge the digital divide and strengthen our rural and remote regions.”
Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough-Kawartha
“Rural communities across eastern Ontario will benefit greatly from the build out of this project, which will help boost public safety and ensure rural and remote communities can reliably access essential services.”
Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings – Lennox & Addington
“Thank you to the dedicated teams who have worked tirelessly to get our community connected to reliable cellular connection. This project is a win for our families, businesses, and visitors, not just for today but for decades to come.”
Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
“The new 5G cell towers which are now servicing the Ottawa Valley, are an essential part of our government’s plan to ensure that every resident, business, and visitor in eastern Ontario has the ability to connect to a reliable network.”
Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Making high-speed internet faster and more accessible in Ontario
Ontario connects: making high-speed internet accessible in every community
MEDIA CONTACTS
David Bhatti
Associate Minister Oosterhoff’s Office
David.Bhatti@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca