A regional fibre optic network

serving James Bay and Eeyou Istchee

Mission

Eeyou Communications Network (ECN) is a not-for-profit telecommunications corporation that provides broadband carrier services for the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee and municipalities of the James Bay region. ECN delivers advanced, reliable and cost-effective network access for the benefit of communities, populations, businesses, organizations and governments.

Eeyou Communications Network brings diversified connectivity to global telecom networks, content providers and to Internet for a broad range of social and economic opportunities.

Eeyou Communications Network supports technology that encourages cultural diversity and autonomy for communities and region.

Profile

With the objective to efficiently support social and economic development and greater autonomy of the region, the Eeyou Communications Network has developped a unique business and operational model suited to the northern caracteristics and needs of the populations, businesses and public administrations.

The Eeyou Communications Network is a northern telecommunications highway accessible to all, interconnecting the regions and at the best possible prices while providing access to services and modern contents similar to large urban areas.

Property of regional public administrations, the Eeyou Communications Network provides broadband telecom transport using advanced technologies with high redundancy and high reliability equipments and fibre optic infrastructures designed for the northern environment and very long distances. This network, suited for voice, data, video and Internet transit support the delivery of all services to the population and businesses including health, education, public and governmental services, business services and many others.

Social commitment

The Eeyou Communications Network has initially been created to address the Digital Divide and the Digital Litteracy issues affecting the region and its population and impacting social and economic development. Based on its mission, the Eeyou Communications Network wants to recruit locally and to develop individuals in technology, management and administration to provide more autonomy for the region and availability of resources in the short, mid and long term. A priority is also put to support the development of services and regional businesses and to promote jobs, culture, knowledge and skills in the communities.

History

2000
The Cree Regional Authority with Canada Economic Development envision connecting all offices of the region by Internet.
2004
Creation of Eeyou Communications Network, a not-for-profit corporation.
2007
Federal Government, Quebec Government, Jamesian group and Cree group conclude and decide to proceed with the construction of Eeyou Communicatiosn Network Phase 1 to connect by fibre optic St-Felicien, Mistissini, Chibougamau, Chapais, Ouje-Bougoumou, Waswanipi, Quévillon, Matagami, Nemaska, Radisson, Wemindji and Chisasibi.
2009
Beginning of construction of the network.
2011
July 2011 - Beginning of Eeyou Communications Network operations with telecom transport services and Internet Transit.
2012
Major network upgrade with Alcatel-Lucent 7750 equipments.
2013
Eeyou communications Network connectivity to Quebec RITM network for health services. Network expansion to Amos for diversification of connectivity and access to content.
2015
Fiber network expansion to Eastmain and Waskaganish
2016
Completion of the regional fiber optic ring along the James Bay highway.
2018
Kick-off of the fiber to the home project and implementation of the service in eight communities. Implementation of points of presence in Amos Abitibi and in Montreal.

ECN team

Operations of Eeyou Communications Network are supported by local teams using a simple and optimal corporate structure.

Management of Eeyou Communications network is under the responsibility of its President, Mr. Alfred Loon and Mr. Cédric Melançon, ing. MBA, its Director General.

The network operations team, specially trained and located in the region, is composed of engineers and technicians in telecom, outside plant and administration. These people are being assisted by external resources or through outsourced services to respond to all operations needs including accounting, legal, network technologies, human resources, call centers and others.

Board members

Réal Dubé, Representing Administration régionale de la Baie-James

Scott Forward, Representing James Bay Cree Communications Society

Marie-Claude Brousseau, Vice-chair and representing Administration régionale de la Baie-James

Michel Laplace, Secretary-treasurer and representing Commission scolaire de la Baie-James

Alfred Loon, Chair and Founding member

Donald Nicholls, Representing Cree Nation Government

Raymond Menarick, Founding member

Bella Petawabano, Representing the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay

Michael Petawabano, Representing the Grand Council of the Crees Eeyou Istchee

François Turgeon, Representing Cree School Board

Pierre Pelletier

Honorary members

Buckley Petawabano - Founder of ECN