Northern Ontario Fiber Network
Building a carrier-neutral backbone for the future
Creating Regional Connectivity Infrastructure
The Northern Ontario Fiber Network is an ambitious project to create a carrier-neutral, open-access fiber optic backbone connecting major communities across the region. This infrastructure will enable all service providers – from established carriers to new entrants – to deliver high-speed connectivity to underserved areas.
Following Canada's Infrastructure Sharing Tradition
Just as early Canadian telecom infrastructure was built through cooperation and sharing, our network embraces the same principles. By creating a neutral backbone that all providers can access equally, we're fostering competition, innovation, and ensuring no community is left behind in the digital economy.
Carrier Neutral
Equal access and pricing for all service providers
Redundant Design
Multiple paths ensure network reliability and uptime
Future-Proof
Scalable infrastructure ready for decades of growth
Preliminary Network Deployment Plan
Note: These are preliminary projections currently under discussion with investors and stakeholders. Timelines are tentative and subject to change.
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Stage 1: Wawa ↔ Chapleau
The Eastern Corridor
Route Details
- • Following Highway 101 East corridor
- • High-capacity fiber optic cable
- • Redundant path planning
- • Low latency connectivity
Communities Served
- • Wawa (2,900 residents)
- • Hawk Junction (200 residents)
- • Missinabie (40 residents)
- • Chapleau (2,100 residents)
- • First Nations communities along route
Potential Applications
- • Enhanced connectivity for businesses
- • Improved residential internet options
- • Support for essential services
- • Regional economic development opportunities
Tentative Timeline
- • Q1 2026: Environmental assessments (tentative)
- • Q2 2026: Construction begins (tentative)
- • Q4 2026: Testing phase (tentative)
- • Q1 2027: Commercial service launch (tentative)
Stage 2: Wawa ↔ White River
The Northern Link
Route Details
- • Following Highway 17 North (Trans-Canada)
- • High-capacity fiber optic cable
- • Lake Superior route considerations
- • Weather-hardened infrastructure
Communities Served
- • Wawa (2,900 residents)
- • Michipicoten River Village
- • White River (550 residents)
- • Obatanga Provincial Park area
- • Communities along Highway 17
Potential Applications
- • Transportation sector connectivity
- • Natural resource industry support
- • Healthcare connectivity improvements
- • Tourism and hospitality services
Tentative Timeline
- • Q2 2026: Route surveying (tentative)
- • Q3 2026: Pole attachment agreements (tentative)
- • Q1 2027: Construction begins (tentative)
- • Q3 2027: Service activation (tentative)
Stage 3: Wawa ↔ Sault Ste. Marie
The Southern Gateway
Route Details
- • Following Highway 17 South along Lake Superior
- • Expandable fiber infrastructure
- • Strategic interconnection opportunities
- • International border proximity
Communities Served
- • Wawa (2,900 residents)
- • Montreal River Harbour
- • Batchawana Bay (500 residents)
- • Searchmont (500 residents)
- • Sault Ste. Marie (73,000 residents)
Potential Applications
- • Cross-border connectivity potential
- • Industrial sector connectivity
- • Municipal service improvements
- • Regional hub connectivity
Tentative Timeline
- • Q2 2026: Stakeholder consultations (tentative)
- • Q4 2026: Final route approval (tentative)
- • Q2 2027: Construction begins (tentative)
- • Q1 2028: Full service launch (tentative)
Stage 4: White River ↔ Hornepayne
The Far North Extension
Route Details
- • Following Highway 631 North
- • High-capacity fiber optic cable
- • Terrain-appropriate installation methods
- • Environmental considerations
Communities Served
- • White River (550 residents)
- • Mobert (First Nation community)
- • Manitouwadge (2,000 residents)
- • Hornepayne (980 residents)
- • Communities along Highway 631
Potential Applications
- • Resource sector connectivity
- • Indigenous community services
- • Transportation infrastructure support
- • Remote area connectivity
Tentative Timeline
- • Q3 2026: Community engagement (tentative)
- • Q1 2027: Environmental impact study (tentative)
- • Q3 2027: Construction begins (tentative)
- • Q2 2028: Network activation (tentative)
Network Overview
Open Access Model
How It Works
Equal Access
All service providers get the same terms and conditions – from Bell and Rogers to new local ISPs
Transparent Pricing
Published rate cards ensure fair, predictable costs for all participants
Flexible Options
Choose from IRU (Indefeasible Right of Use) or standard lease agreements based on your needs
Infrastructure Focus
Our Northern Fiber network is primarily infrastructure-focused, providing wholesale capacity to service providers
For Service Providers
- Expand coverage without infrastructure investment
- Access to underserved markets
- Redundant paths for network resilience
- Wholesale capacity options
For Enterprises
- Direct fiber connections between locations
- Private network capabilities
- Guaranteed bandwidth and SLAs
- Dark fiber options available
Partnership Approach
Building this network will require collaboration with various stakeholders and infrastructure partners
Telecommunications Partners
Exploring collaboration opportunities with existing carriers for network expansion
Utility Companies
Working towards infrastructure sharing agreements for cost-effective deployment
Local Communities
Engaging with municipalities and First Nations for community-focused solutions
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fiber Type | Single-mode G.652.D compliant |
| Strand Count | 144-288 strands per cable |
| Capacity | 100 Gbps per wavelength, upgradeable to 400 Gbps |
| Redundancy | Ring topology with automatic failover |
| Latency | <5ms between connected communities |
| Availability | 99.999% network uptime SLA |
| Connection Points | Carrier-neutral meet-me rooms in each community |
| Power | Redundant power with battery and generator backup |
Ready to Connect Your Business?
Whether you're an ISP looking to expand coverage or an enterprise needing dedicated connectivity, we have solutions for you.
Service Providers
- • Wholesale capacity
- • Dark fiber IRUs
- • Co-location services
- • Carrier interconnection
Enterprises
- • Private fiber networks
- • Point-to-point circuits
- • Disaster recovery links
- • Custom solutions