Project includes $97 million in
government funding and additional investments from PomeGran through
financing partnerships with the Canada Infrastructure Bank and
Stonebridge Financial Corporation.
TORONTO, June 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - PomeGran Inc. (PomeGran),
Canada's fastest growing
fibre-centric rural broadband provider, through its subsidiary ROCK
Networks, has received $97
million in federal and provincial government funding to
build new fibre broadband infrastructure in rural and Indigenous
communities in Northern Ontario.
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Canada's Minister of Rural Economic
Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, together with Amarjot
Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
Infrastructure and Member of the Standing Committee on Government
Agencies and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs,
for the Government of Ontario,
announced the investment today.
![PomeGran & ROCK Networks (CNW Group/PomeGran Inc.) PomeGran & ROCK Networks (CNW Group/PomeGran Inc.)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2446472/PomeGran_Inc__PomeGran_Awarded__172_Million_FTTH_Project_to_Prov.jpg)
Building on this support, PomeGran is set to embark on a
significant new project to construct and operate an end-to-end
fibre network that will deliver speeds up to 25 Gbps to 18,663
underserved households, including 2,580 Indigenous households in
the Huron Shore and Manitoulin Island region. This groundbreaking
initiative will provide much-needed connectivity to areas along Hwy
17 from Lively to Garden River, including Elliot Lake, St.
Joseph, and Manitoulin Island. The network will provide
connectivity to residents over a 50,000 sq.
km geography.
Through their engagement with the not-for-profit H&M COFI
organization, PomeGran has connected with various communities,
ensuring their needs and voices were considered. This project
aims to provide high-speed broadband Internet to homes, businesses,
and institutions in the Huron Shore and Manitoulin Island region.
Their vision is to enhance global access and influence in the
region, with fibre-based technology, transforming the digital
landscape of the area.
PomeGran will own and operate the network. The open access
framework will attempt to foster a competitive market, enabling
numerous ISPs to offer diverse services to consumers, at
competitive prices.
To future-proof the network, PomeGran is deploying XGS-PON and
25G PON to provide multi-gigabit broadband to residences and
businesses. In addition, PomeGran's patent pending advanced fibre
technology and outdoor passive fibre infrastructure will ensure
lightning-fast connectivity and the ability to scale to speeds and
reliability not previously available to rural and Indigenous
communities.
"Receiving this investment is a significant milestone for
PomeGran. It underscores our dedication to bridging the digital
divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed Internet in
rural and Indigenous communities," said Dr. Kalai S. Kalaichelvan, Chairman & CEO of
PomeGran. "This funding will not only connect households but also
lay the groundwork for a more connected and prosperous future for
all residents."
"PomeGran is excited to receive this investment, a testament to
our shared commitment with the Governments of Canada and Ontario to bring high-speed Internet to rural
and Indigenous communities in Northern
Ontario," said Joe Hickey,
President of PomeGran. "This strategic investment signifies a
crucial step towards achieving Canada's nationwide connectivity targets, and
with our commitment to an open access network, it will help foster
competition in the market, making high-speed Internet more
affordable in the region."
"This infusion of government funding marks a pivotal moment for
connectivity in Huron Shore and Manitoulin Island. More households
gaining access to high-speed Internet means many benefits for our
communities. It means enhanced opportunities for online education,
access to virtual healthcare, and increased productivity for local
businesses," said Georges Bilodeau,
Chairperson of H&M COFI. "This is not just about connecting
households; it's also about fortifying the foundation of our
communities for a brighter and more interconnected future."
"We are enthusiastic about partnering on this high-speed
Internet project, which will significantly enhance connectivity and
economic opportunities within our community. Our collaboration on
the network and construction efforts is a testament to our
commitment to sustainable development. Reliable Internet access
will empower our community by providing better opportunities for
education, healthcare, and local businesses," said Ogimaa Kwe
Rachel Manitowabi, of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
"High-speed Internet is no longer considered just a luxury. The
federal funding committed today will bring reliable high-speed
Internet to more than 18,600 underserved homes in communities
across Northern Ontario.
Communities large and small need to have a reliable connection so
they can grow their potential in this digital world," said The
Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency.
The funding comes from the Universal Broadband
Fund (UBF), by the Government of Canada and
Ontario's Improving
Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program. The UBF,
a $3.225 billion investment by the Government
of Canada, is designed to help connect 98% of Canadians to
high-speed Internet by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100%
connectivity by 2030. This initiative is supported by Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which plays a
crucial role in fostering innovation and connectivity across the
country. Through the ICON and other programs, the Ontario government has committed $4 billion to expand and improve broadband and
cellular access across the province. This investment is part of a
broader effort to enhance digital infrastructure and ensure that
more Ontarians, especially those in rural and underserved areas,
have reliable Internet connectivity.
Additionally, to complete the project, PomeGran is investing
$75 million through financing
partnerships with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and
Stonebridge Financial Corporation. This joint initiative by
PomeGran, a private Canadian investment firm, and the federal and
provincial Governments aligns with the strategic priorities of the
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry to enhance digital
infrastructure and promote economic development through improved
connectivity.
About PomeGran Inc.
PomeGran Inc. is Canada's fastest
growing fibre-centric broadband infrastructure provider. Dedicated
to enhancing broadband services, PomeGran has emerged as a leader
on a mission to empower underserved markets in Quebec and Ontario. PomeGran is investing in rural
Quebec and Northern Ontario as part of their strategic
plan. Boasting ownership of broadband networks, underground and
aerial fibre assets, and fixed wireless access (FWA) assets,
PomeGran is committed to bridging the digital divide that exists
between urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. Founded on the
fundamental principle of ensuring equitable access to high-speed
Internet, PomeGran believes that everyone deserves the opportunity
to participate in today's digital-first economy. Please visit
www.pomegran.com.
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SOURCE PomeGran Inc.