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Coverage

How was the broadband gap area determined?

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) guideline map divides the province into hexes. Each of the six sides of the hex represents a length of three (3) kilometres; therefore, the area of each hex is approximately 25 square kilometres. A hex is defined to be “served” if all 3 of the following conditions are met:

(a) Available minimum download speed is at least 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps);

(b) Subscriber rates are affordable (i.e. close to current urban rates); and

(c) 76% or more of the geography is able to access broadband service.

In addition, a counties-wide survey was done in 2009 where over 270 residents came forward to flag un-served areas.

Will the project provide high-speed Internet coverage to all of the broadband gap areas of the United Counties?

The project has substantially reduced the underserved and un-served areas of the United Counties. As a result of the Rural Connections network expansions,  approximately 95% of the total area of the United Counties has access to  high-speed Internet available. The un-served areas are mainly the heavily forested and bog areas. From a population perspective it is estimated that 97% of the population now have access to high-speed Internet. Approximately 2000 people remain un-served.

Where has high-speed Internet coverage been most improved through this project?

The project is focused on providing improved coverage to the under-served or un-served rural United Counties.  Four key areas are being targeted:

  1. The Rockland south-Clarence Creek–Bourget–Lemieux-Limoges treed area;
  2. The Ottawa River north of Plantagenet-St. Bernardin-Riceville-Pendleton area;
  3. The treed residential area southwest of Hawkesbury; and
  4. The Chute à Blondeau–Pointe-Fortune–St. Eugene area.

These areas are a mix of residential, rural businesses, farm and home based businesses. Over 7,000 people will benefit from the increased coverage within the project area.

How will I know if I am within the coverage area?

This project is focused on certain areas of the United Counties that have been classified as un-served.

Bell Aliant and Xplornet are the service providers funded by this project. Each company has on-line tools that will enable you to determine if service is expected to be available in at your location. In addition, for Fixed Wireless, Xplornet will make a site visit to determine signal availability..

In regions outside of the project area, Bell, Xplornet and other area service providers continue to increase coverage and improve service under their own business initiatives and can be contacted regarding any service concerns or needs that you might have.

Will any more towers be built to cover those areas where people still cannot get service?

Not through the Rural Connections Broadband Program. However, Gaps will be addressed in other Broadband initiatives such as the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN).