Millions to be invested to improve rural cell phone and broadband

Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham recently announced $81 million in government funding for improving rural cell phone/broadband across eastern Ontario.

Letham says the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, which he chairs, is pleased this program is moving forward.

The federal and provincial governments have committed $71 million each to the $213 million public-private partnership to improve both the reach and quality of mobile broadband services in the region.

All members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and most municipalities within the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus are contributing to the $10 million municipal share. Mobile carriers are expected to provide the balance of the funding.

The mayor says the pandemic has clearly shown the need for more cell phone/broadband capacity in Kawartha Lakes.

He says with people both working and e-learning from home the currently existing cell phone/broadband infrastructure has not been adequate.