Canadian Business Awards 2024 | 51 While there are many core values that have been integral to the success of this Ottawa-based telecommunications company, ROCK Networks prides innovation above all, something reflected in every element of its service and thus too in this award. As Joe explains, “by nurturing innovation within our organisation, we continuously seek out new ideas, technologies, and approaches to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.” Of course, innovation is nothing without the passion that continuously drives it forward, and luckily, this is something available in abundance across the business. Aside from this, there is also a particular emphasis placed on the power of collaboration and teamwork, and outside of a business setting, the uppermost importance is afforded to giving back to local communities, whether this be through a range of charitable initiatives, employees being encouraged to carry out volunteer work, or a shift towards increasingly sustainable business practices. The latter of these represents an awareness from the company of just how important it is to stay agile in today’s constantly evolving business landscape, something it also achieves by standing out from the crowd effectively. Aided by its unique and pioneering strategy of building community broadband networks that are truly open access, ROCK is singlehandedly contributing to the disruption of the tired, outdated model currently in place, an area of business it decided to significantly bet on at the outset of the pandemic in 2020. Joe tells us, “the current model of providing service to rural Canada for the past 50 years has failed to deliver the required services for all Canadians. […] The internet is the new digital highway, and if we do not have high-speed End-to-end communications systems integrator ROCK Networks provides its customers with a host of wireless and broadband solutions, with the company renowned in local circles for its industry-leading devices and services, and the ways in which its agile solutions are integrated seamlessly. Bolstered by expertise that spans the areas of broadband, satellite networks, Wi-Fi, and many more, this team are proud to have a vast client portfolio spanning both the corporate and government sectors. We catch up with Founder and President Joe Hickey, who tells us more about his company and its distinction in the realm of telecommunications. Most Innovative Telecommunications Company 2024 internet in rural Canada, these communities cannot participate in the global economy.” To remedy this, ROCK implements a strategy whereby long-lived, assets-based fibre networks are placed to yield benefits in the long term for a community. With an 8–12-year payback on this 30–50year asset, such a next-generation approach serves as a fantastic business case for communities and long-term investors alike. As Joe explains, “ROCK is an industry leader because we […] challenge to change the industry structure and are working at all levels of government with a laser focus on the local municipalities at the centre of our plan.” The open-access fibre networks that ROCK is seeking to bring to Canada have already been proven to be impactful through their use across Europe and other parts of the world. In short, the purpose of this technology is to garner improved broadband accessibility and bridge the digital divide gap. This works by networks enabling multiple service providers to use the same infrastructure, simultaneously driving competition and reducing costs for customers. ROCK is constructing an open access network in Northern Ontario. Far from the only area of focus for the business, ROCK is also currently in the midst of two additional exciting developments. Firstly, ROCK has partnered with companies Nokia and Eutelsat OneWeb to introduce a pioneering 5G wireless solution in Northern Manitoba. This is phase two of a project that in the long run has the potential to mark a turning point for rural Canada’s national wireless network. ROCK, in partnership with Broadband Communications North, began phase 1 of the project in 2022, which brought highspeed internet to the Manto Sipi Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. The second of these intuitive opportunities revolves around expansion into the US market, following a recent announcement that $42 billion is being allocated for the purposes of broadband infrastructure, highlighting opportunities for brands such as ROCK to implement its proven services in other territories. Regarding the future of ROCK Networks, the company is seeking to leverage its recent acquisition by PomeGran Inc. to continue to offer deliver innovative solutions in the realm of two-way radio, broadband, fibre, and more. ROCK is currently promoting its groundbreaking new approaches at major industry events, capitalising on the opportunities that will arise as a result. In closing, Joe tells us, “by staying ahead of industry trends, leveraging strategic partnerships, and aligning with government initiatives, ROCK Networks is well-positioned to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in both the Canadian and US markets.” Contact: Nadine Mansour Email: [email protected] Company: ROCK Networks Web Address: www.rocknetworks.com
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