Jamesian Ultra-High speed Internet: The conclusion of a regional project

CHIBOUGAMAU, QC, July 18, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - With the first phase of its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project now in operation, the Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) officially announces the start of the second phase of this project to connect the Jamesian communities of Matagami, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Chapais and Chibougamau with modern residential telecommunications services, including ultra high-speed internet.

"The Eeyou Communications Network is a regional organization and the next logical step after our first FTTH project was naturally to connect the Jamesian communities" said ECN President Alfred Loon. " ECN has demonstrated that it is able to deliver the goods, with modern telecommunications services, including Internet service that is unparalleled in Quebec".

Translation : "Modern telecommunications services are essential regional economic and social development tools and e are very excited to support this initiative that will transform the region." said the President of the Administration Régionale Baie-James and Mayor of Matagami René Dubé.

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.

ECN's FTTH project aims to reach more than 10,000 homes in the James-Bay and Eeyou-Istchee territories with Triple-Play services. Every subscriber will be able to receive full-service (150+ channels) TV, Internet at not less than 50 Mbps (up to 1 Gbps), home telephones and a full complement of streaming channels including Netflix, Google Play, HBO Now, Apple TV, Tou.tv and real-time gaming. Rates are expected to be comparable to Québec City and Montréal.

About Eeyou Communications Network (ECN)

A not-for-profit corporation founded in 2004, the Eeyou Communications Network is the result of an initiative of the Cree Nation Government, the Administration régionale Baie James, the Comission Scolaire de la Baie James and the Cree School Board. ECN was established to provide modern telecommunications services and to develop the social economy within the 14 communities of Eeyou Istchee and James Bay for the benefit of the population, institutions and local businesses, including hospitals, schools and municipal administrations. For more information, visit: www.eeyou.ca

Acknowledgments

Eeyou Communications Network wishes to thank major partners who contributed to its projects:

Government of Québec (Société du Plan Nord, Villages branchés program of the Ministère de la Communication et de la Culture du Québec)

Government of Canada (Connecting Canadians, Digital Canada 150, Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, Indigenous and Northern affairs)

Cree Nation Government

Administration régionale Baie-James

TELUS Québec

Distributel

SOURCE Eeyou Communications Network

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]