On Thursday 24th June, 2021, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell held a special meeting to discuss the latest updates on the Cell Gap Connectivity project in the region. 

Representatives from the Eastern Ontario Rural Network (EORN) and Rogers were present to virtually present the latest details of the ongoing project to increase the cellphone connectivity across Eastern Ontario. 

Within the United Counties of Prescott-Russell there are currently 15 cellphone towers, with anywhere from 10-20 more proposed. 

The existing towers will all be upgraded to the latest LTE and 5G technology within the next 12 months, to be in line with new additions which will hopefully be installed in the next 2 years.

Speaking on behalf of Rogers Communications, Ms --- explained that the project won't be completed until 2025 but that the work to upgrade the existing towers will begin shortly as the company acknowledge that cell service is "not a nice to have, but a need to have" in rural communities. 

With 99% of the "in demand" areas of Eastern Ontario, as identified by EORN, set to be served by this latest project benefits will be felt across the board with people working a travelling across major roads throughout the region often dropping calls due to the current poor connectivity. 

With a $71m investment from both the federals and provincial governments, $10m from EOWC/EOMC and over $150m from Rogers Communications there is a clear indication of the priority being placed on improving coverage in the area. 

Construction is said to generate some "16,000" new jobs and EORN representative, Mr --,  explained that two separate economic studies have shown just how much the project will drive forward the local regional economies. 

The UCPR are set to invest almost $700,000 in the project with President Stépĥane Sarrazin explaining that the Uncited Counties are currently satisfied with the progress being made and looking forward to the end results.