IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Faster Rural Internet is Here in Ramara

Ramara/December 3, 2020 -  Starting now, residents in Ramara have access to faster rural internet with seven Xplornet wireless towers now live.

"Earlier this year, it was our goal to enhance internet services and provide blanket coverage for residents in Ramara," said Mayor Basil Clarke. "I am happy that residents will get this early Christmas gift of high speed and affordable Internet."

As part of a project with Xplornet, Canada's leading rural-focused Internet service provider, three new wireless towers were constructed in Brechin, Mud Lake and Rathburn, along with upgrades to five existing wireless sites in Orillia, Udney, Dalrymple, Kirkfield and Sebright. Today, six of the seven towers are live and ready to serve customers, with the Sebright tower scheduled to be active in mid December. These sites will provide service at up to 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) with unlimited data to 5,700 rural households, small businesses and First Nation community.

"During this unprecedented time, our small municipality has taken advantage of technology to allow staff to effectively work offsite and deliver services to citizens with little disruption," says Chief Administrative Officer, John Pinsent. "Even though we have been able to work amongst ourselves, the same level of service cannot be offered to all of our citizens because of connectivity. With this investment we are able to reduce the digital divide and provide our residents with a sense of normalcy as they continue to work, learn and connect at home."

To spread holiday cheer and celebrate the completion of the project, Xplornet will be lighting up the new tower in Brechin with a light display between mid-December and early January.

"We're pleased to be making fast and affordable Internet services available to Ramara residents through our project with the Township," said Cathy Macdonald, Chief Operating Officer of Xplornet. "Ramara's support has helped deliver 50 Mbps services on an accelerated schedule."

Residents can also call Xplornet at 1-866-790-5894 for more information about service availability, packages and prices. As well, an Xplornet Brand Ambassador will be at the Ramara Centre on Friday, December 4 starting at 11:00 a.m.  to provide information and set up installations. COVID-19 precautions will be in place, and we ask residents to wear face masks, respect physical
distancing and remember to sanitize their hands.

Headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Xplornet is Canada's leading rural-focused broadband service provider. For over a decade, Xplornet has been providing innovative fixed and mobile broadband solutions to rural customers at work, home and play across Canada through its innovative hybrid fibre wireless and satellite network.

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Tower locations

Media Contacts

Ashley Watson

Business and Communications Coordinator
Township of Ramara
705-484-5374 ext. 322
awatson@ramara.ca

Steve Van Groningen
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Xplornet Communications Inc.
media@corp.xplornet.com