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CENGN – Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Program EOI and RFS Process Document – Project #3

A.ProgramOverviewUndertheNextGenerationNetworkProgram(NGNP),CENGN,Canada’sCentreofExcellenceinNextGenerationNetworks,islookingtofundinnovativeprojectsacrossnorthernOntariothatdemonstratetechnologysolutionsthat offer flexible, lower cost, higher performance residential broadband access for northern Ontariocommunities. This program is designed to prove new technology approaches that can significantly improvebusiness cases or new businessmodels, be used to promote new field-proven innovations from technologyapplicants, offer an improved level of broadband access to unserved communities, develop new residentialbroadbandecosystems,andtosharetechnicalsolutionswithothernorthernOntariocommunitieslookingforaccessorimprovementstoresidentialbroadbandsolutionsintheircommunity.CENGN will be providing funding for individual projects from its Northern Ontario Residential BroadbandProgramaspartoftheNGNP.CENGNisseekingtechnologiesthataddresstherequirementforspecifictechnicalproblemstatements thatmake it challenging to getbroadbandaccess to residenceswithinnorthernOntariocommunities.Withtheincreasingdemandforon-linemunicipalservices,emailcommunications,on-lineculturaldevelopment, social media, distance learning, tele-medicine, remote medical monitoring, on-linehomework/assignmentsubmissionforstudents,supportforon-linebusiness,andincreasingneedforon-lineoptionstoworkfromhome,thereisurgentneedforhigh-performance,low-latencyresidentialbroadbandaccessinnorthernOntariocommunities.Inordertoprovideanenvironmenttodemonstratetheeffectivenessofnewresidentialbroadbandtechnologysolutions,CENGNwillbeencouragingcommunityExpressionofInterest(EOI)responsesfromnorthernOntariocommunitieswhoareinterestedinhostingatechnologyprojectintheircommunity.FromtheCommunityEOIresponses,atleastonecommunitywillbeselectedforthisproject.Theprojectwillbedesignedtoprovethatatechnologysolutioncanbeinstalledandtestedwhiledemonstratingasignificantlyimprovedlevelofresidentialbroadbandservicetothecommunity.Thisprojectwillalsoseektodemonstrateamarkedimprovementinthebusinesscaseforresidentialbroadbandaccessimprovementsforthecommunity.CENGNwill also be encouraging EOI responses from technology company applicants who are interested inprovidingequipment,technology,andsupportservicestobeusedinthelive3-6monthmonitoredtechnologyproject.FromtheTechnologyEOIresponses,anumberofcandidatetechnologycompanieswillbeselectedforeachNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProjecttoproposeatechnologysolutionthatcanbeinstalledandtestedtoprovideasignificantlyimprovedlevelofresidentialbroadbandservicefortheselectedhostcommunity.

Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Program EOI and RFS Process Document - Project #3

A. Program Overview B. How Funding Works C. EOI Eligibility D. RFS Eligibility E. Evaluation and Project Application F. Reporting and Expense Claims G. How to Apply H. Timelines I. Inquiries

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Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Program EOI and RFS Process Document – Project#3

The purpose of the projectwill not only be to demonstrate a significant performance level improvement inresidential broadband access in residences, but also to provide a well-tested, monitored, and documentedimplementation,thatcanbepromotedandsharedwithothercommunitiesbythetechnologyapplicant(s),thecommunity,andCENGN.Itiskeythattheproposedprojectinfrastructurewillbescalable,andthatthetechnologyapplicantiswillingtoworkwiththehostcommunity,andanynecessarylocalpartners,tocomeupwithaplantoextendorexpandtheprojectinfrastructuretocompletelymeetthewiderresidentialbroadbandneedsofthecommunityfollowingtheproject’ssuccessfulcompletion.Inordertofacilitatetheestablishmentandcontinuedoperationofthe3-6monthdurationproject,technologyEOIapplicantsmustbereadyto:• Provideallnecessaryinfrastructureequipment,includinghardware,software,andsupportingmaterials,to

installinaselectednorthernOntariocommunity.• Providenecessarylabourand/orsupporttoinstalltheequipmentinapre-definednumberofresidencesin

thecommunity.• Fullycommissionthetechnicalsolutioninthecommunity.• Provide ongoing support tomaintain the system as a commercial internet access service offering at an

optimumlevelofoperationforaperiodof3-6monthsduringtheproject.• ProvideaccesstotheinfrastructurethatwillallowCENGNorthecommunitytoassessperformancelevels

duringtheproject.• Demonstratecompliancetoallregulatoryrequirementstoensurethetechnologyissafeinaccordancewith

operatinginternetaccesssolutionsinCanada.BothCommunityandTechnologyEOI responseswillbeevaluatedbyan independentExternalReviewPanel(ERP),selectedfromtechnologyexperts,academia,andothersectors.TheERPwillmakerecommendationstotheCENGN InternalReviewPanel (IRP),whowill thendecidewhich communitywill be selected, andwhichtechnologyapplicantswillqualifytorespondtothesubsequentcallforaRequestforSolution(RFS).TheRFSwillbe a detailed technical response,which is fine-tuned to provide a solution for the specific northernOntariocommunityselectedfromtheCommunityEOIevaluationprocess.

B.HowtheFundingWorks

Through theNGNP, CENGNwill contribute 50 percent of eligible project costs for an approved project to amaximumCENGNcontributionof$500,000perproject,withthesuccessfultechnologyapplicantmatchingorexceedingtheCENGNcontributiontotheproject.Theprojectwillbeaminimumof3-6monthsinduration.Thetotal number of funded projects will be dependent upon funding allocated to each project. This is areimbursementprogram.Nodirectfundingisexpectedfromthehostcommunityfortheproject,howeverthecommunitymayneedtoworkwiththeselectedtechnologyapplicant(s)toprovideorarrangeoneormoreofthefollowing,dependingonthetechnologysolutionselected:• Accesstooneortwosecure,climate-controlledroomsorbuildingsforequipmentracksandrequired

equipment.• Additionalpowerorair-conditioningupgradesforexistingsecure,climate-controlledrooms/buildingsfor

equipmentracksandequipment.• One or two temporary secure, climate-controlled buildings or trailers to house equipment racks and

equipment.• Oneortwoservicedlotswithpowerandpossiblywater/sewerforequipmentbuildings,trailersortowers.

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• Administrativeassistance ingettingrightofwaypermits,buildingpermits, regulatoryclearance,poleor

toweraccess,orothermunicipalwaiverstosupportthetechnologyproject.• Administrativeassistance in identifyingallanticipatedmunicipalcosts tobeexpensedbythetechnology

applicantoragreedtobeabsorbedbythecommunitypriortosubmittingtheRFSsubmission.• Treeclearingtoensureunobstructedlineofsightforfixedwirelesslinksbetweensites.

Everyeffortwillbemadetoensureanycoststothecommunityareminimized,andclearlyidentifiedpriortoapproval,andselectionofthefinaltechnologysolutionfortheproject.AnyexpensestothecommunitywillneedtobeclearlyidentifiedintheRFSresponsesbythetechnologyapplicantandmusthavebeendiscussedwithandagreedtobythehostcommunityaspartoftheRFSresponse.FlowofFunds:CENGNfundsflowonlytothetechnologyapplicant.Thetechnologyapplicantisresponsibletoreimbursepartnersifapplicable.• Reimbursementsaretriggeredbythesubmissionandapprovalofclaimsandreports.• ReimbursementclaimsfromapplicanttoCENGNcanbemadewhensubmittinginterimandfinalreports.• Reimbursementclaimsandreportsaresubmittedmonthly.• ApplicantsshouldrefertotheEligibleExpensesGuideforcompletedetailsofeligibleexpenses.PaymentTerms:Detailsoftheclaimsubmissionprocesswillbemadeavailabletothesuccessfulapplicants.• Monthlyinterimpayments(basedonsubmittedandapprovedreimbursementclaimsandreports).• 10percentfinalpayment(basedonsubmittedandapprovedreimbursementclaimandfinalreport)• Paymentsarebasedonthetotalfundedprojectvalue.• OnlyeligibleexpensesincurredaftertheawardingofthecontracttothesuccessfulRFStechnologyapplicant

willbeallowed.C.EOIEligibilityEligible Community: For a northern Ontario community to participate in the Community EOI process for this project, the community must: • Be defined by CENGN to be a Northern Ontario community. The CENGN criteria for a Northern Ontario

community is “any Ontario community located north or west of a line drawn from Renfrew west to Huntsville, and then west from Huntsville to Parry Sound”.

• Be willing to produce a written response to the CENGN Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Community EOI for Project #3.

• Have a matching problem statement to that defined in the Community EOI that is preventing or making it difficult to implement residential broadband to all or part of your community.

• Be willing to work with and support the selected technology applicants from the Technology EOI process for Project#3, to complete site surveys, understand location, access, and addresses of points of presence (POPs), secure buildings, equipment rooms, or equipment installation sites in the community, required for project equipment.

• Provide information on potential tower or equipment sites required in the community, help assess need for permits, right-of-ways, etc. to allow technology applicants to prepare and submit a formal response to the Northern Ontario Residential Broadband RFS for Project#3.

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Eligible technology applicants and partners: For an equipment/technology applicant to be eligible toparticipateintheTechnologyEOIprocess,thetechnologyapplicantmust:• HaveaCanadianpresence.• Haveatechnologysolutionthataddressesallorpartoftheproblemstatementdefinedinthe‘CallforNorthern

OntarioResidentialBroadbandTechnologyEOI’document.• Bepreparedtosubmitawrittenresponsetothe‘CallforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandTechnology

EOI’forProject#3.• Becommittedtosubmitaformalresponsetothe‘CallforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFSfor

Project#3’ if selected as a candidate RFS technology applicant as part of the Technology EOI evaluationprocess.

• Bewillingtoworkwiththeselectedcommunityfromthe“Call forCommunityEOI”evaluationprocessforProject#3,tocompletesitesurveys,understandlocationandaddressesofeachparticipatingresidenceinthecommunity, access existing and needed equipment rooms or buildings required for project equipment,provideinformationonpotentialtowerorequipmentsitesrequiredinthecommunity,helpassessneedforpermits, right-of-ways, etc. to prepare and submit a formal response to the ‘Call for Northern OntarioResidentialBroadbandRFSforProject#3’.

Eligibletechnologyapplicantscouldbeanyofthefollowing:• SmallandMediumsizedEnterprises(SMEs).• NationalandMulti-NationalEnterprises(NEsandMNEs).• Telephonecompanies,serviceproviders,cablecompanies,ISPs,orWISPs.• Systemintegrators,installation,orsupportcontractors.Eligibletechnologyapplicantsmust:• CarryouttheirtechnologyprojectintheCommunityEOIselectednorthernOntariocommunity.• Befor-profitandhaveoperations(manufacturing,R&D,etc.)inCanada.• Produceproposalsandplanstoinstall,demonstrate,and/orimplementtheresultsoftheprojectinOntario

andforthebenefitofOntario.• Be an innovation-driven business developing products or services addressing residential and middle

kilometer broadband challenges or services accessed via the improved and cost-reduced residentialbroadbandsolution.

• Havesoundbusinessplansandsecurefinancialbacking.• BeingoodfinancialandreportingstandingwithCENGN.• Demonstratethecapacitytoconductcontractedprojectactivities.

CENGNreservestherighttolimitthenumberofapplicationsfromcompaniesalreadybenefitingfrom,orapplyingfor,otherCENGNprogramfunding.Eligiblepartnerscanbeanyofthefollowing:• SMEs.• NEsandMNEs.• Publicly-fundedpost-secondaryacademicinstitutions.• Municipalities.• Indigenouscommunities.• Not-for-profitorganizations.• Telephonecompanies,serviceproviders,cablecompanies,ISPs,orWISPs.• Systemintegrators,installation,orsupportcontractors.• Economicdevelopmentcorporations.

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D.RFSEligibilityEligibleCommunityForanorthernOntariocommunitytoparticipateintheRFSprocess,thecommunitymust:• PreviouslyhavesubmittedaresponsetotheCENGNNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandCommunityEOI

forProject#3• Have been selected and notified by CENGN as a selected northern Ontario community as part of the

CommunityEOIresponseevaluationprocessforProject#3.• Actively work with and support the selected technology applicants from the Technology EOI evaluation

process for Project#3, to complete site surveys, understand location and addresses of each participatingresidenceinthecommunity,accessexistingandneededequipmentroomsorbuildingsrequiredforprojectequipment,provideinformationonpotentialtowerorequipmentsitesrequiredinthecommunity,helpaccessneedforpermits,right-of-ways,etc.toprepareandsubmitaformalresponsetothe‘CallforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFSforProject#3’.

EligibletechnologyapplicantsandpartnersForanequipment/technologyapplicanttoparticipateintheRFSprocess,thetechnologyapplicantmust:• Previously have submitted a response to the CENGN ‘Call for Northern Ontario Residential Broadband

TechnologyEOIforProject#3’.• HavebeenselectedandnotifiedbyCENGNasaneligibleRFStechnologyapplicantaspartoftheTechnology

EOIresponseevaluationprocessforProject#3.• Prepareandsubmitaformalresponsetothe‘CallforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFSfor

Project#3’.Eligibletechnologyapplicantscouldbeanyofthefollowing:• SMEs.• NEsandMNEs.• Telephonecompanies,serviceproviders,cablecompanies,ISPs,orWISPs.• Systemintegrators,installation,orsupportcontractors.Eligibletechnologyandpartnerapplicantsmust:• CarryouttheirtechnologyprojectintheCommunityEOIselectednorthernOntariocommunity• Befor-profitandhaveoperations(manufacturing,R&D,salesetc.)inCanada.• Aim to install, demonstrate and/or implement the results of the project inOntario and for the benefit of

Ontario.• Be an innovation-driven business developing products or services addressing residential broadband

challengesorservicesaccessedviatheimprovedandcost-reducedresidentialormiddlekilometerbroadbandsolution.

• Havesoundbusinessplansandsecurefinancialbacking.• BeingoodfinancialandreportingstandingwithCENGN.• Demonstratethecapacitytoconductcontractedprojectactivities.

CENGNreservestherighttolimitthenumberofapplicationsfromcompaniesalreadybenefitingfrom,orapplyingforotherCENGNprogramfunding.

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Eligiblepartnerscanbeanyofthefollowing:• SMEs.• NEsandMNEs.• Publicly-fundedpost-secondaryacademicinstitutions.• Municipalities.• Indigenouscommunities.• Not-for-profitorganizations.• Telephonecompanies,serviceproviders,cablecompanies,ISPs,orWISPs.• Systemintegrators,installation,orsupportcontractors.• Economicdevelopmentcorporations.EligibleTechnologyProjectSupportExpectations:• Applicantmaynotsubmitmultipleresponsestothe‘CallforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadband

RequestforSolution-Project#3.’• ApplicantsandpartnersarerequiredtohaveoperationsinCanadaandcarryouttheirprojectsinOntario.• Minimum1:1cashmatchtoCENGNcontributionbytechnologyapplicants.• Thisprojectmustbeaminimumof3to6monthsofmonitoringindurationafterinfrastructureinstallation

andcommissioningiscomplete.• Thisprojectisnotintendedforresearchtoprovefeasibilityorbasictechnologyresearch.Proposedproducts

ortechnologyfortheprojectshouldbeatTechnologyReadinessLevelScale7-9(7:operationalenvironmentfunctionaldemonstration,9:Technologyproventhroughsuccessfuldeploymentinanoperationalsetting).

• Typicalprojectactivitiesinclude:installation,demonstration,product/servicevalidation,andtesting.• Applicantsand/orpartnersshoulddemonstrateclosecollaborationandstrongprojectcommitmenttoensure

projectstartandcompletiontargetdatesareachieved.• EligibleproductequipmentortechnologiesMUSTincludeinstallationanddemonstrationofactualproducts

that can be showcased in promotional material based on the successful execution of the project withdemonstrablecostsavingsandsignificantperformanceimprovementforresidentialbroadbanddeploymentwithintheselectedcommunity.

EligibleExpenses• All project activitiesmust be performedwithinOntario, unlesswritten approval has been obtained from

CENGNbeforesubmissionofanapplication.• CENGNmayonlyreimburseapprovedexpensesthatoccurredaftertheselectedtechnologyapplicant(s)and

CENGN have both signed the CENGN Funding Agreement for Project#3. The funding agreementmust beexecutedandsignedoffbybothrelevantpartiesbeforeaprojectisactivated.Unlessactivationiscomplete,projectexpensesareincurredattheriskoftheparticipants.

• Applicantsmustrefertothe“EligibleExpensesDocumentforProject#3”forfulldetailsonwhatiswouldbeconsideredtobeaneligibleexpense.

E.EvaluationandProjectApplicationTheCENGNNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProgramisadiscretionary,non-entitlementprogramwithlimited funding. CENGN will fund qualified projects with potential for the greatest economic benefits andcontributiontowardsnorthernOntarioresidentialbroadbandimprovements.Notalleligibleapplicantsmaybefunded.

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Allsubmissions to thecall forRFSbyeligibleapplicantswillbeassessedontheirmeritandundergoareviewprocess,wheretheapplicationsareassessedagainstprogramobjectivesandevaluationcriteria.Inordertoensurethatallapplicationsareevaluatedinafairandcomprehensivemanner,CENGNwillutilizethefollowingreviewentitiesintheprocess:• CENGNReviewCommitteemadeupofCENGNstaffandmanagement.• CENGNIRPmadeupofCENGNseniormanagement.• ERPmadeupofindependentreviewerswithdomainandsectorexpertise.TheEOIandRFSresponseswillbeassessedbasedonthecriteriashownin‘EvaluationCriteria’sectionlaterinthedocument.TheCommunityEOIapplicationprocesshasthefollowingsteps:

TheCommunityEOIapplicationprocesshasthefollowingsteps:• TheCommunityEOImustbesubmittedby5:00pmESTonFridayAugust21,2020.• TheCommunityEOIresponsesarevalidatedbytheCENGNReviewCommitteefor:

o Eligibility-see‘SectionC–EOIEligibility’.o Completeness–allsectionsoftheCommunityEOIarecompletedo Ability–tohostprojectandworkwithtechnologyapplicants.

• Based on the CENGN Review Committee validation, the Community EOI is either accepted or rejected.Applicantswithrejectedsubmissionswillbenotified.

• UponacceptanceoftheEOIbytheCENGNReviewCommittee,theCommunityEOIsubmissionwillbeprovidedtoboththeCENGNReviewCommittee,andtheERPfordetailedreview.

• FollowingcompletionoftheirreviewoftheCommunityEOIsubmissions,theCENGNReviewCommitteewillprovidetheirinputforconsiderationbytheCENGNIRPinevaluatingtheviabilityandmeritoftheindividualapplications.

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• The ERPwill evaluate the Community EOI response based on the criteria as shown below in ‘Evaluation

Criteria’.AllERPmembersexecuteNon-DisclosureAgreements(NDA)priortotheEOIreview.• TheERPwillindependentlymakeacommunityselectionrecommendationtotheCENGNIRP.• TheCENGNIRPmakesthefinalcommunityselectiondecision(s)onorbefore:

HostCommunityselection-FridaySeptember18,2020• ThesuccessfulcommunityapplicantwillbenotifiedbyCENGN,andinformedthattheywillneedtosupport,

andworkwith,thetechnologyapplicantcandidatesthathavebeenselectedtorespondtoasubsequentcallforaRFS.Thecommunitywillalsobe informedwhotheselectedtechnologyapplicant(s)are.Technologyapplicant contact informationwill be provided, so the community can be ready towork closelywith theselectedtechnologyapplicant(s)whentheRFSispublished.

• CommunityapplicantswhoareNOTselectedwillbenotifiedbyCENGN.FeedbackcanbeprovidedbyaCENGNSeniorManagerifrequested.

• CommunityapplicantswhoareNOTselectedforthisproject,maystillapplyforsubsequentCENGNNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandprojectsastheyareannounced.

TheTechnologyEOIapplicationprocesshasthefollowingsteps:

TheTechnologyEOIapplicationprocesshasthefollowingsteps:• TheTechnologyEOImustbesubmittedby5:00PMESTFridayAugust21,2020.• TheTechnologyEOIresponsesarevalidatedbytheCENGNReviewCommitteefor:

o Eligibility-see‘SectionC–EOIEligibility’o Completeness–allsectionsoftheTechnologyEOIresponsearecompletedo Financialcompliance-fundingaskdoesnotexceedCENGNmaximumof$500,000perproject

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• Basedon theCENGNReviewCommitteevalidation, theTechnologyEOI response is eitheracceptedor

rejected.Applicantswithrejectedsubmissionswillbenotified.• UponacceptanceoftheEOIsubmissionbytheCENGNReviewCommittee,theTechnologyEOIresponse

willbeprovidedtoboththeCENGNReviewCommittee,andtheExternalReviewPanel(ERP)forreview.• TheERPwillevaluatetheEOIresponsebasedonthecriteriaasshownbelowin‘EvaluationCriteria’.ERP

membersexecuteNon-DisclosureAgreements(NDA)priortotheEOIreview.• FollowingcompletionoftheirreviewoftheTechnologyEOIsubmissions,theCENGNReviewCommittee

willprovidetheir inputforconsiderationbytheCENGNIRPinevaluatingtheviabilityandmeritoftheindividualapplications.

• TheERPwillindependentlymakeaselectionrecommendationsfortechnologyapplicantswhoshouldbeofferedachancetorespondtotheCallforRFSforProject#3totheCENGNInternalReviewPanel(IRP).

• TheCENGNInternalReviewPanel(IRP),makesthefinaltechnologyapplicantRFSeligibilitydecisions.• Successful technology applicantswill be notified by CENGN, and informed that theywill be eligible to

respondtoasubsequentcallforRequestforSolution(RFS).Theywillalsobeinformedwhotheselectedhost community is for theproject, andwillbeprovidedcontact information for thecommunity, so thetechnologyapplicantcanbereadytoworkcloselywiththeselectedcommunitywhentheRFSispublished.

• TechnologyApplicantswhoareNOTselectedwillbenotifiedbyCENGN.FeedbackcanbeprovidedbyaCENGNSeniorManagerifrequested.

TheRFSapplicationprocesshasthefollowingsteps:

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TheRFSApplicationProcesshasthefollowingsteps:• TheTechnologyEOIresponsemustbesubmittedbytheTechnologyEOIsubmissiondeadlineof:

o 5:00pmESTonFridayAugust21,2020.• TheTechnologyEOIsarereviewedbytheCENGNReviewCommittee.• Following reviewand evaluationof theTechnologyEOI submissions, the selected technology applicant is

invitedtosubmitanRFSresponse.Applicantsthatareselectedtobeeligibletorespondwillreceive:o RFSEligibilityNotification-onorbeforeFridaySeptember18,2020.

• AnRFSresponsemustbesubmittedbyeligibletechnologyapplicantsbythefollowingdeadline:o 5:00pmESTonFridayOctober16,2020.

• TheRFSresponsesarevalidatedbytheCENGNReviewCommitteefor:o Eligibility-see‘SectionD–RFSEligibility’o Completeness–allsectionsoftheRFSarecompletedo Financialcompliance-fundingaskdoesnotexceedCENGNmaximumasklimit

• BasedontheCENGNReviewCommitteevalidation,theRFSresponseiseitheracceptedorrejected.Applicantswithrejectedsubmissionswillbenotified.

• UponacceptanceoftheRFSresponsebytheCENGNReviewCommittee,theRFSresponsewillbeprovidedtotheERPfordetailedreview.

• TheERPwillevaluatetheRFSresponsebasedonthecriteriaasshownbelowin‘EvaluationCriteria’.AllERPmembersexecuteNDAspriortotheRFSreview.

• ThosequalifiedRFStechnologyapplicantsandtheirpartners(aspreviouslydeterminedbytheCENGNReviewCommittee)willbeinvitedtopresenttheirproposalsbywebinartomembersofthefollowingcommitteesandpanels:

o CENGNReviewCommittee.o CENGNInternalReviewPanel(IRP).(optional)o ExternalReviewPanel(ERP).

• Followingthepresentationbytheapplicantandtheirpartners,theCENGNReviewCommitteeandtheERPwill provide their input for consideration by the CENGN IRP in evaluating the viability andmerit of theindividualapplications.

• TheERPwillindependentlymakeafundingrecommendationandtechnologyapplicantrating/evaluationtotheCENGNIRP.

• TheCENGNIRPmakesthefinalfundingdecision(s).o OnorbeforeThursdayNovember23,2020.

• Successful technology applicants will be notified by CENGN and provided an outline of conditions andadditionalinformationtoactivatetheproject.

• ApplicantswhoareNOTselectedwillbenotifiedbyCENGN.FeedbackcanbeprovidedbyaCENGNSeniorManagerifrequested.

EvaluationCriteriaTheNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProgramwilluseadualEOIevaluationapproach:• CallforCommunityEOI–InvitesanynorthernOntariocommunitytoapplywithaCommunityEOIresponse

tobeconsideredasahostcommunityforaprojectdesignedtoaddress,orreducetheimpactofapre-definedproblemstatementthatthehostcommunityisfacingwhichpreventsorlimitsbroadbandresidentialaccess.

• CallforTechnologyEOI–Invitesanyeligibleequipment/technologyapplicanttorespondwithaTechnologyEOIproposaltobeconsideredasacandidatetosupplyequipment,supportacommercialinternetaccess

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serviceoffering,andprovidesignificantfundingforaprojectdesignedtoaddress,orreducetheimpactofapre-defined problem statement that a northern Ontario community is facing which prevents or limitsbroadbandresidentialaccess.

TheCallforaCommunityEOI

A Call for Community EOI will be sent to a wide range of northern Ontario communities to offer them theopportunitytorespondandexpresstheirinterestinbeingahostcommunityforthisNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProject.ThisCallforCommunityEOIprocesswillprimarilyassesstheneedsofthecommunity,howwelltheirneedsmatchtheproposedproblemstatement,howablethecommunitywillbetoworkwiththeselectedequipment/technologyapplicant(s),andwhatthecommunityisabletodotosupportinstallationofinfrastructure.The host communitywill also need to be able to provide approval of, and provide access to siteswithin thecommunitywheretheyarewillingtoinstallandproveatechnologysolutionforaminimum3-6monthdurationaspartofalongertermcommercialinternetaccessserviceoffering.CommunityEOIEvaluationCriteria

TheCommunityEOIapplicationsareassessedonmerit.Theyareevaluatedbasedonprogramobjectivesaswellasassessmentcriteria,whichincludebutarenotlimitedto:• HowcloselythecommunityproblemstatementmatchesthestatedproblemstatementoftheCommunityEOI.• Ability of the community to identify staffing within the community that can help selected technology

applicantsgetalltheconsentingresidencesidentifiedandlocatedwithinthecommunity.• Expertise and experience of the team members, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and evidence of

collaborationwithtechnologyapplicantsandpartnerswhoworkwithnorthernOntariocommunities.• Willingness and ability to supply space within existing or planned secure, climate-controlled rooms or

buildings.• Clearindicationandknowledgeofpotentialregulatory,bylaws,orrightofwayrestrictionsthatwoulddelay

theproject,andabilitytocleartheissuesorbeabletogettemporarywaivers.• Strongwillingnessandplan,toworkwithanumberofequipment/technologyapplicants• Overallqualityandcompletenessoftheapplication• Demonstrated experienceworkingwith technology applicants or local partners on residential broadband

projects• Completeandwelldocumentedidentificationofthepotentialissuesincludingregulatory,bylaw,right-of-way,

orsafetyissuesthatneedtobeaddressedtocompletetheprojectontime.• OverallqualityandcompletenessoftheapplicationInordertoassistintheassessmentoftheCommunityEOIs,apre-definedCENGNevaluationscoringsystemwillbeusedbyallreviewers.TheCallforTechnologyEOI

AcallforTechnologyEOIresponseswillbesenttoawiderangeofequipment/technologyapplicantstoofferthemthe opportunity to respond and show an EOI in proposing a technology solution to a host community for aresidentialmiddlekilometerbroadbandtechnologyproject.ThisTechnologyEOIevaluationprocesswillprimarilyassess how the technical solution proposed matches and addresses the stated northern Ontario communityproblem statement, the level of residential broadband performance offered, the cost reduction in equipment,installation,support,and/oroperationscostsoftheproposedtechnology,abilitytoofferalong-termcommercialinternetaccessservice,andhowwellthetechnologyapplicantispreparedtoworkwiththehostcommunityto

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prepare a high quality RFS response thatwillmeet or exceed the needs of the host community selected. Thetechnologyapplicantwillalsoneedtobeabletominimizeorreducetheexpensetothecommunityinordertohosttheproject.TechnologyEOIEvaluationCriteria

TheTechnologyEOIapplicationsareassessedonmerit.Theyareevaluatedbasedonprogramobjectivesaswellasassessmentcriteria,whichincludebutarenotlimitedto:• Clarity of the challenges,merits of the proposed technical solution, and potential benefit/contribution to

significantly improving business cases for residential broadband installations and upgrades for northernOntariocommunities.

• Abilityofthetechnologysolutionproposedtoaddressresidentialbroadbandaccesschallenges,significantlyimprove the business case through reduced equipment, installation, support and operations costs, whilesignificantlyimprovingbroadbandperformancethroughacost-effective, high-resilience, high performance residential broadband solution extending internet access service to homes 3-5 km from a broadband POP in the host waterfront community where those homes are across or around the associated waterbody.Thesolutionmustmeetorexceedbroadbandperformancetargetsof50Mbpsdownloadand10Mbpsuploadperresidence,throughtechnicalmeritandinnovation.

• Expertise and experience of the team members, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and evidence ofcollaborationwiththeirpartnersandothernorthernOntariocommunities.

• Clarity,feasibilityandappropriatenessoftheprojectplanandbudgetestimates.• Aclearstrategyandcapacitytoimplementtheproposedsolutionandbringtheresultstoahostcommunity.• Strongwillingnessandplantoworkwiththeprojecthostcommunity.• Overallqualityandcompletenessoftheapplication.• DemonstratedexperienceprovidingresidentialbroadbandsolutionsinnorthernOntariocommunities.• Abilitytosupportandprovidealong-termcommercialbroadbandinternetaccessservice.• Completeandwelldocumentedidentificationofthepotentialissuesincludingregulatory,bylaw,right-of-way,

orsafetyissuesthatneedtobeaddressedtocompletetheprojectontime.Inordertoassist in theassessmentof theTechnologyEOIresponses,apre-definedCENGNevaluationscoringsystemwillbeusedbyallreviewers.FollowingaCENGNdecisionontheEOItechnologyappliantselections,theapplicantandpartners(ifcontributing),willbeinformedoftheirapprovaltoqualifyasacandidatetechnologyapplicanttorespondtothesubsequentcallforanRFS,whichwillbepublishedfollowingtheannouncementsoftheCommunityandTechnologyEOIdecisions.

RFSEvaluationCriteriaThe full RFS applications are assessed onmerit. They are evaluated based on program objectives as well asassessmentcriteria,whichincludebutarenotlimitedto:• Definitionofthechallenges,meritsofthedesignedtechnicalsolution,andexpectedbenefit/contributionto

significantlyimprovingbusinesscasesforresidentialbroadbandmiddlekilometerinstallationsandupgradesfornorthernOntariocommunitiesingeneral,andthehostcommunityinparticular.

• Clearlyshowingtheexpectedanddocumentedcostsavingsofthesolutiondesignedforthehostcommunity.• Demonstratingahighlevelofwillingnesstoworkcloselywiththehostcommunity.• Ability of the technology solution defined to address the specificmiddle kilometer residential broadband

accesschallengesdefinedintheRFS,andshowingtheimprovedbusinesscasethroughreducedequipment,installation,supportandoperationscosts,whilesignificantlyimprovingbroadbandperformancetomeetor

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exceedthe50Mbpsdownloadand10Mbpsuploadtargetbroadband internetperformanceperresidencethroughtechnicalmeritandinnovation.

• Expertiseandexperienceofthetechnologyapplicantteammembers,clarityofrolesandresponsibilities,andevidenceofcollaborationwiththeirpartnersandothernorthernOntariocommunities.

• Clarity,feasibility,andappropriatenessoftheprojectplanandbudgetcosting.• Willingnesstoestablishrelationshipswithlocalpartnerstoreduceinstallation/supportcostsandimprove

on-sitesupport/responsetime.• AclearstrategyandcapacitytoimplementtheproposedsolutionandpromotetheresultswithCENGNand

thehostcommunity.• DemonstratedabilitytoworkcloselywiththeprojecthostcommunityduringthepreparationoftheRFS

response.• OverallqualityandcompletenessoftheRFSapplication.• DemonstratedexperienceprovidingresidentialbroadbandsolutionsinnorthernOntariocommunities.• Abilitytoofferandsupportalong-termcommercialbroadbandinternetaccessserviceofferingtothe

community.• ProveaviableandrealisticoperatingplanwithastrongROIfortheserviceoffering.• Completeandwelldocumentedidentificationofactualissuesinthehostcommunityincludingregulatory,

bylaw,right-of-way,orsafetyissuesthatneedtobeaddressedtocompletetheprojectontime.• Clearidentificationofnewinfrastructurerequirements(includingcostestimates)requiredinthe

communityandadefinedwaytogetthembuilteitherbythetechnologyapplicantorbythecommunity.InordertoassistintheassessmentoftheRFSresponses,apre-definedCENGNevaluationscoringsystemwillbeusedbyallreviewers.Uponapproval,thetechnologyapplicantandpartners(ifcontributing)mustexecuteaCENGNFundingAgreementandfulfillallrequestedreportingrequirementswithin30daysofapprovaloftheawardnotification.

F. Reporting and Expense Claims

InterimProgressandClaimsReport(s)Monthlyreports,includingprogress,projectmetrics,dataandinformationrequirements,proofofexpendituresandpartnershipcontributions,financialattestation,andarequestforreimbursementmustbesubmittedbytheselectedRFStechnologyapplicant(s).RFSFinalResultsandClaimsReportAfinalreport,includingprogress,projectmetrics,dataandinformationrequirements,proofofexpendituresandpartnershipcontributions, financialattestation,andarequest forreimbursement, isrequiredat theendof theproject.Thirty(30)dayspriortothescheduledcompletiondate,theapplicantandallcontributingpartnerswillreceiveanemailnotificationoftheprojectenddatefromCENGNwithalinktotheFinalProgressandClaimReporttemplatedocument,shouldthepartieswishtobeginwritingthefinalreportandenteringexpenseclaimdata.Copiesofdetailedreportinginstructionsandtemplateswillbesenttosuccessfulpartiesatthetimeofcontracting.ThereportmustbereceivedandapprovedbyCENGNpriortoreleaseoffundsforeligibleclaims.Note:ApplicantsMUSTretainallproofofpurchases,receipts,andotherrelevantdocumentationrelatingto

eligibleexpenses.Theseshouldbeincludedinallreporting.

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• ApplicantMUSTrequestprojectdelaysorextensionsinwritingtoCENGN.Extensionrequestsmustbemade

beforetheprojectenddate.• ApplicantcanrequestearlyreportingbyemailingyourassignedCENGNprojectmanager.• On the scheduled project completion date, the applicant and all contributing partnerswill receive another

notification to complete the Final Project Progress and Claim Report from their assigned CENGN projectmanager.

• ApplicantsandcontributingpartnersmustsubmittheirFinalProjectandClaimReportwithin30daysofprojectcompletiontobereimbursedforeligibleexpensesandmaintaingoodfinancialstandingwithCENGN.

ProjectChangeRequestsForanyvariancestotheCENGNbudgetof$5,000orgreater(withnoincreasetooverallbudget),orextensionstotheprojectenddate,theapplicantmustsubmitachangerequestinwritingtoCENGN,priortotheprojectenddate,thatwillbesubjecttoCENGNapproval.G.HowtoApply

CommunityEOISubmissionsForanorthernOntariocommunitytoparticipateintheCommunityEOIprocessforthisproject,thecommunitymust:• BedefinedbyCENGNtobeaNorthernOntariocommunity.TheCENGNdefinitionofaNorthernOntario

community,isanyOntariocommunitythatis north of a line from Renfrew west to Huntsville, then west from Huntsville to Parry Sound, Ontario.

ApplicationtotheNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProject#3foracommunitycontainstwostagesofactivityandcommitment:Stage1:SubmitadetailedandcompleteCallforCommunityEOIforNorthernProject#3submission,ensuringall

questionsareansweredwithdetailedresponseswithdiagrams,maps,andotherreferences.Ifselectedasthehostcommunityforthetechnologyproject,proceedtostage2.

Stage 2: A commitment is required by the community to closely work with a number of candidate

equipment/technologyapplicants(previouslyselectedthroughtheCallforTechnologyEOIforNorthernProject#3process)tosupporteachindividualtechnologyapplicant’sRFSsubmission.

Following the EOI selection process of the technology applicant(s) by the CENGN IRP, the communitywill benotifiedwhichtechnologyapplicant(s)andapplicablepartner(s),ifany,willbemovingforwardtotheRFSprocess.TheRFS responsewillbe focused to specificallyaddress the selectedhost community’s residentialbroadbandrequirements.ThehostcommunitywillneedtocommittoprovidingassistancetotheRFScandidatetechnologyapplicant(s)including(butnotlimitedto)theassistanceitemslistedbelow:• Informationonthespecificnumberofresidencesrequiringbroadbandaccessorupgradestoimproved

broadbandaccess.• Locationsandaddressesofspecificinfrastructuresitesavailableforuseintheproject.• Availabilityofexistingsecure,climate-controlledequipmentroomsorbuildingsforbroadbandproject

equipment.• Availabilityofservicedpropertyfortowerornewsecure,climate-controlledequipmentroomsorbuildings.

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• Helpinidentifyingzoning,bylaw,orright-of-wayissuesthecommunitymayfaceandmaybeabletohelp

addresstosupporttheproject.• Discussionsontechnologyapplicant/communitycost-sharingoptionsfortheprojectorfollowingsuccessful

completionoftheproject.• Helpingtechnologyapplicantsconnectwithlocalinstallationorsupportpartnersinthecommunityor

nearbyintheregion.• Helpingtechnologyapplicantsconnectwithlocalserviceproviderswhomaybeinterestedinpartnering

duringorfollowingtheproject.TodiscusspotentialapplicationstothisCommunityEOIprogram,pleasecontactKirbyKoster:

KirbyKosterSeniorManager,BroadbandProgramsTel: +1-613-291-0707Email:[email protected]

TechnologyEOISubmissionsOnly technology applicants that have a Canadian presence are eligible to respond to the Northern OntarioResidential Broadband Technology EOI. Partners can also be part of the application, but all funding andcommunicationswillbedirectlybetweenCENGNandthetechnologyapplicant.Application to the Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Program for a technology applicant contains twostagesofactivityandcommitment:Stage1:ProvideadetailedCallforTechnologyEOISubmission

To provide a quality Technology EOI submission, the candidate technology applicant must show strongcommitmentandplansonhowtheywillworkcloselywiththeselectedhostcommunity(selectedthroughtheCommunity EOI process). All questions from the Call for Technology EOI documentmust be answeredwithdetailedpricing,schedules,andplanswithclearlystatedassumptionsforadefined-sizedhypotheticalorexamplecommunity.

Itwillbeimportantforthetechnologyapplicanttoshowhowtheyplantoworkwiththehostcommunitytoclearlyidentifyneedswhichmustinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Requesting information on the specific number of residences requiring broadband access or upgrades to

broadbandaccess.• Determiningapproximatelocationsandaddressesofexpectedresidenceswillingtoparticipateintheproject.• KnowledgeofthelocationandtypeofexistingbroadbandPOPinthecommunity.• Whichexistingsecure,climate-controlledequipmentroomsorbuildings forbroadbandprojectequipment

maybeavailableforuseduringtheproject.• Availabilityofservicedpropertyforatowerorotheroutdoorinstallation,ornewsecure,climate-controlled

equipmentroomsorbuildingsthatcouldbeconsideredfortheproject.• Identificationofpotentialzoning,bylaw,orright-of-wayissuesthetechnologyapplicantandcommunitymay

needtoaddresstosupporttheproject.• Proposedoptions of technology/community cost sharing for theCENGNproject or subsequent additional

projectsfollowingsuccessfulcompletionoftheCENGNproject.

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• Identifying any local installation or support partners in the community, or nearby in the region, that the

technologyapplicantcouldworkwithfortheprojectorfollowingsuccessfulcompletionoftheproject.• Identifyinganylocalserviceproviders,ISPs,orWISPswhomaybeinterestedinpartneringduringorfollowing

successfulcompletionoftheproject.• Identifyingvalue-addedpartnersthatcouldbepartoftheproposedtechnologysolutionduringorfollowing

successfulcompletionoftheproject.• Proposedoptionsforexpandingupontheprojecttechnologyconfigurationfollowingsuccessfulcompletionof

theproject.TechnologyEOIapplicantsmustsubmitresponsesbyemailnolaterthan:

5:00pmESTonFridayAugust21,2020.UltimatelybasedonTechnologyEOIsubmissions, technologycandidatesareselectedby theCENGNIRPusingevaluation input from theCENGNReviewCommittee, and the recommendations of theERP. If the technologyapplicantisselectedandnotifiedbyCENGNasaneligibleRFSapplicant,theywouldproceedtostage2.

Stage2:SubmitadetailedCallforRFSresponseforNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandProject#3.TodiscusspotentialsubmissionstothisTechnologyEOIprogram,pleasecontactKirbyKoster:

KirbyKosterSeniorManager,BroadbandProgramsTel:+1-613-291-0707Email:[email protected]

RFSApplicationsOnlythosetechnologyapplicantsthathaveaCanadianpresenceareeligibletorespondtotheNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFS.Partnerscanalsobepartoftheapplication,butallfundingandcommunicationswillbedirectlybetweenCENGNandthetechnologyapplicant.TobeeligibletorespondtothecallforanRFSforProject#3,technologyapplicantsmusthave:• Previouslysubmittedavalidon-timeresponsetothecallforaTechnologyEOIfortheCENGNNorthern

OntarioResidentialBroadbandProgram-Project#3.• BeenawardedbyCENGNtherighttorespondtotheNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFS-

Project#3.

ApplicationtotheCENGNNorthernOntarioResidentialBroadbandRFScontainstwostages:Stage1:SubmitadetailedsubmissiontotheCallforTechnologyEOIforNorthernProject#3.

Once selected as a candidate RFS technology applicant by the CENGN IRP as a result of the Technology EOIevaluationprocess,thetechnologyapplicantneedstoworkwiththeselectedhostcommunity(asannouncedbyCENGNasaresultof theCommunityEOIevaluationandselectionprocess) toproduceaqualityRFSresponsetailoredspecificallytoaddresstheneedsofthecommunity.Technologyapplicant(s)thenproceedtostage2.

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Stage2:SubmitadetailedsubmissiontotheCallforRFSforNorthernProject#3asdetailedbelow:

To provide a quality RFS submission, the candidate technology applicantmust demonstrate a strong level ofcooperation in working with the selected host community (previously selected through the Community EOIprocess)whileputtingtogetherthefullRFSresponse,whichwillincludeatechnicalnetworkdesignspecificallytoaddressthecommunity’sresidentialbroadbandrequirements,includingthefollowingdetailsdeliveredwithhelpfromthecommunitybutnotlimitedto:

• Detailsonthespecificnumberofresidencesrequiringaccessorupgradestobroadbandaccessinthehost

community.• Specificlocationsandaddressesofconsentingresidenceswillingtoparticipateintheproject.• Whichexistingsecure,climate-controlledequipmentroomsorbuildings forbroadbandprojectequipment

willbeusedintheproject.• Specificservicedpropertiesthatwillbeusedforatowerorotheroutdoorinstallation,ornewsecure,climate-

controlledequipmentroomsorbuildingsthatwillbeusedfortheproject.• Identificationof,andaplan toaddresszoning,bylaw,or right-of-way issues the technologyapplicantand

communitywillneedtoaddresstosupportthetechnologyproject.• Agreed technology applicant/community cost sharing options for the project or following successful

completionoftheproject.• Identifyinglocalinstallationorsupportpartnersinthecommunity,ornearbyintheregion,thatthetechnology

applicantwillworkwithfortheprojectorfollowingsuccessfulcompletionoftheproject.• Identifyinganylocalserviceproviders,ISPs,orWISPswhothetechnologyapplicantwillbepartneringwith

duringorfollowingsuccessfulcompletionoftheproject.• Identificationofanyvalue-addedpartnersthatwillbepartofthesolutionduringorfollowingtheproject.• Detailed service offerings and how a long-term commercial broadband internet service offering will be

providedtothecommunity.• Detailedproposalsforexpandingupontheprojecttechnologyconfigurationfollowingsuccessfulcompletion

oftheprojecttobettersupportthecommunity.OncethecandidateTechnologyRFSresponseshavebeensubmitted,theresponseswillbereviewedbytheCENGNReviewCommitteeandtheERP,whowillsendtheirevaluationinputforconsiderationtotheCENGNIRPontheratingofthetechnologyapplicantsfortheproject(seeSectionEfordetailsontheevaluationprocess).

Followingtheselectionofthetechnologyapplicant(s)bytheCENGNIRP,thehostcommunitywillbenotifiedwhichtechnologyapplicant(s)andapplicablepartner(s)wereselectedthatwillbemovingforwarduponcompletionoftheRFSevaluationprocess.

Technology applicants that have been selected through the Technology EOI evaluation process are invited byCENGNtosubmitanRFSresponsetoCENGN.RFSsubmissionsmustbesubmittedtoCENGNbytheRFSsubmissiondeadline(5:00PMEST,FridayOctober16,2020).Submissionsareonlyacceptedbyemail.ExpectedsubmissiondatesandtimesforthesestepsareoutlinedinSectionHTimelines.Successful applicants and their partners must sign CENGN’s standard Funding Agreement within 30 days ofnotificationofaward.

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TodiscusspotentialapplicationsorRFSsubmissionstothisprogram,pleasecontactKirbyKoster:

Kirby Koster Senior Manager, Broadband Programs Tel: +1-613-291-0707 Email: [email protected]

H. Timelines

EOIApplicationsEOISubmissionDeadline: 5:00PMEST–FridayAugust21,2020EOIDecisionDate: FridaySeptember18,2020InvitationtorespondtocallforRFS: FridaySeptember18,2020

RFSApplications

RFSSubmissionDeadline: 5:00PMEST–FridayOctober16,2020RFSInvitationforPresentation: WeekofNovember02-06,2020RFSDecisionDate: FridayNovember23,2020

I. InquiriesTechnologyapplicantsthatareawardedtheprojectwillbesuppliedadditionalCENGNdocumentsaftertheRFSdecisiondateaslistedbelow:

• CENGNFundingAgreement§ EligibleExpendituresGuide

Forinquiriesrelatedtoapplicationinitiation,eligibility,contracting,andfundingdisbursementinquiries,pleasecontact:

KirbyKosterSeniorManager,BroadbandProgramsTel: +1-613-291-0707Email:[email protected]

For general inquiries about the website or difficulty accessing the corresponding ‘Call for EOI’, or ‘Call for RFS’ documents, please contact:

[email protected]

northern ontario residential broadband program eoi and rfs ... · the cengn northern ontario...

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