Plaisance, July 28, 2021 – Following the recent announcement by the Government of Quebec of the Papineau Numérique project cancellation, Internet Papineau would like to reiterate that it is continuing to pursue all activities as an Internet provider and maintaining all services.
No impact on current services
The Government’s decision to redirect all provincial funds allocated to the Papineau RMC high-speed deployment project to Xplornet, a private company based in New Brunswick, in no way affects the current Internet Papineau service to its subscribers. At this time, no impact on the level of service or on the company’s commitments to its customers and employees is expected. The independent provider, with a fully local technical support team, will continue to offer its full range of services, including IT support and equipment sales. Only infrastructure deployment projects are to be suspended indefinitely, pending a review of the company’s business model.
The president of Internet Papineau and president of the digital development committee of the Papineau RMC, Stéphane Séguin, wishes to reassure the residents:
“Although we are disappointed with this turn of events, the organization, its administration, and its team remain motivated and dedicated. We are still convinced of the relevance of our mission and do not intend to give up. As long as the people here need us, we will answer the call. “
Québec’s role in preserving healthy competition
For Internet Papineau, as for several other small rural providers in the province, the survival of their local service depends on the place that the Legault government will give them in the agreements it will sign with the major telecom players. In practical terms, Internet Papineau would like the contract between Quebec and Xplorenet to allow it privileged access to the future fiber network, in order to allow the company to continue to provide high speed to its customers, at a reasonable price. Otherwise, the monopoly of the big players, which leaves little room for maneuver to competition, could boost the cost of bandwidth on our residents’ bills.
For any questions or comments regarding the Government of Quebec’s decision, we invite you to contact your provincial MP, Mathieu Lacombe, at 819-986-9300 or mathieu.lacombe.papi@assnat.qc.ca
Internet Papineau
Internet Papineau had been designated as a partner of the Papineau RMC in the deployment and operation of the fiber network. A true economic flagship for the region, Internet Papineau employs 15 local talents. For more than 15 years, the 100% local NPO has devoted its efforts to ensuring high speed Internet coverage in the rural area neglected by large telecommunications companies: 26 municipalities; 24 in Papineau and 2 in the Hills, Ange-Gardien and Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette.