The Nunatsiavut Government has been informed that Bell Canada has formally withdrawn from the Labrador North Wireless Broadband Project. This news comes as a shock and a deep disappointment to the Nunatsiavut Government, which has been actively working to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity and cell service for all Labrador Inuit communities.

During a call with Bell Canada officials, the Nunatsiavut Government was informed that, over the past four years, project costs have increased by 340 per cent, bringing the estimated completion cost to $110 million. Bell claims the competitive landscape has also shifted, as subscribers to the company’s services in the region have declined by 69 per cent.

“Bell Canada has told us that they no longer see a viable path forward for this project, which is devastating to Labrador Inuit communities and the Nunatsiavut Government, as well as to the Mushuau Innu First Nation community of Natuashish – one of the other partners in this initiative,” notes President Johannes Lampe. “Access to reliable high-speed telecommunications is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our communities.”

“The decision that was taken by Bell Canada will also affect Mushuau Innu First Nation in Natuashish negatively. Mushuau Innu First Nation is ready and willing to work with any new partner identified to ensure the needs for Innu. Internet is very important especially the world is changing and everything is digital nowadays especially for the future generations in northern Labrador,” says Mushuau Innu First Nation Chief John Nui.

Efforts are under way to identify alternative solutions and new partnerships to continue advancing broadband and telecommunications services in the region.

 

Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582