Xplornet bringing faster Internet speeds and 5G-ready services to Eastern Ontario

CORBYVILLE, ON, July 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Rural homes and businesses in Eastern Ontario will soon have access to the latest 5G-ready Internet technology with download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second as a result of a significant investment in the region by Xplornet Communications Inc. and the Government of Canada.

The announcement will dramatically increase Internet capacity and speed to over 35,000 rural homes and businesses in three counties: Northumberland, Hastings, and Lennox and Addington, located between Brighton and Napanee, in Eastern Ontario.  The project will deploy over 450 km of fibre, establishing a hybrid fibre-wireless network spanning 21 communities in the region.

Xplornet will support this fibre infrastructure by deploying small cells and the latest wireless technology, using its licensed 3500 MHz spectrum holdings.  The result will be a 5G-ready network to be deployed in rural Canada at the same time as urban Canada.

"At Xplornet our mission is to enable rural Canadians to live where they want to live, and connect to what matters," said Allison Lenehan, President and CEO of Xplornet.  "5G technology is not just about cities: it is about all of the unique services it can enable wherever you are in Canada.  At Xplornet, we are proud to use the power of new wireless technology and innovation to enrich people's lives.  We are thrilled rural Ontario will be one of the first regions of Canada to be able to access 5G services when the technology is available in 2020."

The total cost of the project is $36 million. The ratio of private to public investment is almost 3 to 1, with the total contribution of the Government of Canada being $10.8 million via the Connect to Innovate program. 

"We thank the Government for this important investment in rural Canada," said Mr. Lenehan.  "We cannot wait to get started, making better Internet service available to our loyal customers, and bringing 5G services to Eastern Ontario."  

The project will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by 2020.

About Xplornet Communications Inc.

Headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Xplornet Communications Inc. is one of Canada's leading broadband service providers. For over a decade, Xplornet has been providing innovative broadband solutions to rural customers at work, home and play across Canada. Today, Xplornet offers voice and data communication services through its unique wireless and satellite network that connects Canadians to what matters.

SOURCE Xplornet Communications Inc.

For inquiries, please contact: James Maunder, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, [email protected]