The federal government and Bell have wrapped up a joint project to get reliable cell coverage onto a remote stretch of road in Quebec.
The work covered a 28-kilometre section of road in Obedjiwan, home to the Atikamekw of Opitciwan First Nation in the Mauricie region. The project got $806,285 in federal funding through the Universal Broadband Fund, and the network went live in June 2025. It’s now fully up and running for locals and anyone passing through.
Ottawa says getting cell coverage out to remote and Indigenous communities ties into a broader federal push to answer the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“No one should have to worry about having a cell signal when they need help most. That’s why we’re investing to give people in Obedjiwan better cellular connectivity to stay safe, stay connected and access the services they rely on. It’s another example of how we’re working to support rural, remote and Indigenous communities,” said Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, in a statement on Friday.
“As someone who knows the Mauricie region well, I understand how important reliable connectivity is for communities like Obedjiwan. This investment will help residents stay connected, access emergency services when they need them, and participate more fully in the digital economy. Our government is committed to building strong communities and creating a safer Canada for all,” added Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne.
The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion federal program with the goal of getting high-speed internet to 98 percent of Canadian households by the end of 2026, and 100 percent by 2030. It also has a dedicated $50 million stream just for mobile projects that benefit Indigenous communities.
“Mobile connectivity plays a vital role in how people live, work and access emergency services. Bell is proud to have partnered on this project to expand mobile service in Obedjiwan (Atikamekw of Opitciwan), helping strengthen connectivity for residents and travellers. Advancing how people connect with each other and the world is at the heart of everything we do, and this project reflects that commitment,” said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President of Sales and Vice Chair for Quebec at Bell.
This is 1 of 9 major cell expansion projects announced under the fund, which together have brought coverage to over 1,100 kilometres of Canadian roads.
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