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Ultra-High Speed Broadband Service Has Arrived In Northern QuebecDistributel and Eeyou Communications Network launch highly anticipated high speed Internet, home phone and TV services to 4,000 homes in Northern Quebec MONTREAL, June 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Distributel Communications Limited and Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) today announced the arrival of high speed broadband Internet, home phone and TV services to the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee and to the municipalities of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region in Northern Quebec. More than 4,000 homes in eight remote communities now have access to advanced telecommunications services with pricing comparable to major Canadian cities such as Montreal and Quebec City. "We're making good on our promise to help bridge Canada's digital divide," said Matt Stein, CEO of Distributel. "For too long, Canadians in remote Northern Quebec have not had access to the broadband services and pricing that every Canadian deserves. We're excited to be offering customers access to a whole new high-speed suite of experiences through Internet, TV and home phone." In late 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared that broadband Internet was a basic service for all Canadians, noting that connectivity improves quality of life, enhances economic prospects and encourages connected and engaged communities. The CRTC report also noted access gaps resulting from infrastructure, affordability and digital literacy issues, as well as barriers to connectivity in Indigenous communities. Not only does this new initiative exceed the CRTC requirements, it serves as a blueprint for how to bridge the digital divide in northern and remote regions across Canada. "High speed connectivity helps transform businesses, nurture community networks and foster innovation on a global stage. It is an enry point to participating and thriving in the global digital economy," said Stein. "We're taking many families and businesses from dial-up Internet to speeds up to 1Gbps and our customers are loving their new experiences." "Our communities now have access to the fastest Internet speeds in Quebec. It's real and it's powerful – and our communities deserve that," said Alfred Loon, President of ECN. "Our groundbreaking partnership with Distributel fills the broadband gap to improve quality of life and nurture vibrant, connected communities in Northern Quebec." The Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development The Hon. Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Northern Plan High speed Internet, home phone and TV services About Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) About Distributel Communications Limited SOURCE Distributel Communications Limited |