Cogeco Communications Inc. is purchasing Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN), it was announced on Feb. 5. The deal will see Cogeco expand its footprint in the region, as growing populations and industry accelerate the demand for the fast and reliable delivery of telecommunications services. Photo Credit: Donatello Trisolino via Pexels.
Cogeco Communications Inc. is purchasing Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN), it was announced on Feb. 5. The deal will see Cogeco expand its footprint in the region, as growing populations and industry accelerate the demand for the fast and reliable delivery of telecommunications services.
Cogeco Communications, founded in 1957, serves 1.6 million customers across both residential and business demographics. It provides television, phone and internet services across both Canada and the United States.
Niagara Regional Broadband Network was owned jointly by the Energy Service of Niagara Inc. of Niagara on the Lake, (25 per cent) and Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Corporation (75 per cent).
“We’re excited to announce our acquisition of NRBN and continue to foster economic and social development in the Niagara Region,” Kristen Curry, Ontario Communications and Public Relations Manager for Cogeco shared in a recent comment to The Niagara Independent. “Cogeco is already quite involved in the community through investments in our fibre-powered network, hiring locally, providing local programming on Your TV, and supporting local charities and community events.
“And like us, NRBN puts its customers, employees, and communities first. Together, we will connect even more people, businesses and institutions in the region to high-speed internet that is locally served.”
“We are delighted to welcome NRBN to the Cogeco family,” shared Phillippe Jetté, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. “Bolstered by the core values that we share, we look forward to enhancing and expanding the services we offer to businesses and residents of the Niagara Region and to assisting NRBN take their business to the next level and contribute even more to the economy.”
In terms of government reaction, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati shared his thoughts on Cogeco’s purchase of the NRBN.
“Having the best fast, reliable Internet service in Niagara is critical to our Region’s success,” said Diodati. “We wanted to ensure that this move will maximise the network NRBN created to benefit the residents of Niagara. This is a long-term move that will position Niagara at the leading edge of high quality Internet services with Cogeco in a technologically advancing market.”
Niagara Falls’ Chief Administrative Officer, Jason Burges, also weighed in.
“The story of NRBN is truly amazing, however the Board did not want to rest on its laurels and undertook a strategic exercise to figure out how to bring more to the residents of Niagara,” said Burges. “It concluded we needed investment from a partner and we knew that Cogeco with its existing commitment to Niagara, would be a great partner!”
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Lord Mayor, Gary Zalepa, expressed his excitement as well.
“Working with Cogeco is the best means to achieve (optimal broadband access) in this new competitive environment,” said Zalepa.
Those interested in learning more about Cogeco Communications Inc. can do so at the following link: Cogeco Communications
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
