Broadband and Cellular

Rural connectivity has been a ROMA priority for many years and the pandemic highlighted the critical need for broadband in rural areas.  

The Governments of Canada and Ontario both made multi-billion dollar investments. This backgrounder provides an overview of funding programs. 

ROMA is pleased with the funding and will continue to monitor progress. Municipal Access Agreements related to rights-of-way for broadband infrastructure are key to how quickly new infrastructure can be built. 

The following are samples and resources related to these agreements: 

• Standard Municipal Access Agreement Light Template developed by the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure working with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network, supported by this memo
• Sample MAA on CRTC’s Agreements and Guidelines web page
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)’s Rights of Way Handbook
• Sample MAAs provided by the Town of Caledon and the Counties of Stormont, Glengarry and Dundas and Prescott Russell
• The Town of Caledon’s Council memo detailing changes to their rights of way access procedures and application form
• The District of Muskoka’s Regional Broadband Strategy which includes efforts to harmonize agreements and procedures across municipalities to prepare for broadband builds

Rural Resources
ROMA has created two comprehensive resources tailored specifically for Ontario’s rural municipalities. The Municipal Primer gives an overview of the broadband landscape, including Canada’s regulatory framework.

The Municipal Roadmap lays out components of a municipal connectivity plan that municipal councils and staff can implement to create local solutions.
 

A Webinar was held on December 1, 2020 for municipal elected officials. Download the ROMA Resource Guides on Broadband Connectivity presentation slides, or watch the recording:

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST ON BROADBAND: If you are a municipal elected official or staff member and want to learn the latest about broadband, email CReid@amo.on.ca.