News Summary

The Matawa Chiefs Council, representing nine First Nations in northern Ontario, has expressed concerns about Rogers’ plan to retire its 3G network. The council fears the shutdown could create safety risks for remote communities relying on older technology for communication. These communities, including Aroland, Ginoogaming, and Long Lake 58, often have limited cell coverage, and modern network upgrades have lagged behind. Rogers has been in communication with affected customers, offering upgrades to 4G or 5G without changing plans and providing compatible devices at no cost. However, the Chiefs Council highlights that many residents depend on older phones and not all areas have reliable 4G or 5G coverage. The Kuhkenah Network, an Indigenous-led telecom provider, and Tbaytel, a regional carrier, are also adapting to the changes. The Matawa Chiefs Council plans to continue advocating for federal and provincial support to ensure these communities aren’t left behind in network modernization efforts.