Ultra-High Speed Broadband Service Has Arrived In Northern Quebec

Distributel 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 entry 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
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I'd like to congratulate ECN and Distributel on their partnership. As a result of this partnership, several communities in the Eeyou Istchee and James Bay territories will be able to get online faster. The federal government committed over $8 million to this project because, like ECN and Distributel, we understand that the prosperity of communities depends increasingly on their access to high speed Internet."

The Hon. Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Northern Plan
"I am proud of the Quebec government's role in this important initiative with Eeyou Communications Network. Through the Société du Plan Nord, the Quebec government's investment of $6.5 million has enabled the extension of a critical fibre optic network to the communities of Eastmain and Waskaganish, a Plan Nord telecommunications priority action for 2015-2020. Today's announcement is yet another example of the positive impact the Plan Nord is having on the communities of northern Quebec!''

High speed Internet, home phone and TV services
Distributel now offers a triple play service bundle that features High Speed Internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps, home phone with 12 features including long distance, and TV service with more than 100 channels from Canada, the U.S. and around the world. Services will be available to homes in Wemindji, Eastmain, Waskaganish, Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou, Nemaska, Mistissini and Radisson. Retail pricing will be comparable to similar residential services in Montreal and Quebec City. For more details on the services available, visit: www.distributel.ca/ecn

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

About Distributel Communications Limited
Established in 1988, Distributel is a leading national, independent telecommunications provider offering a wide range of business and residential communications services. 100% Canadian-owned, with offices across the country and a National network, Distributel continues to forge new partnerships and bring innovative solutions to market directly and through a thriving Wholesale division. ThinkTel, the Business Services Division of Distributel, is a provider of advanced voice and data services for the SMB and Enterprise markets throughout Canada. As a top Microsoft Solutions Partner and a Cisco PMP, the Business Services division is focused on driving industry innovation. For more information, visit: www.distributel.ca

SOURCE Distributel Communications Limited