Improved cell service: 11 new sites planned for the La Tuque area

La Tuque, March 28, 2025. – A second phase of cell tower construction aimed at improving cellular network coverage is underway, as the Government of Quebec plans to build 11 cell towers in the Laviolette–Saint-Maurice riding, specifically in the Haut-Saint-Maurice region and the municipality of Trois-Rives. Finance Minister Éric Girard and the Member for Laviolette–Saint-Maurice, Marie-Louise Tardif, made the announcement today.

These construction projects are part of Phase 2 of the cellular coverage improvement work, planned under the 2024–2025 budget and announced on March 13, 2024. As a result, the necessary infrastructure will be deployed at at least 118 new sites across Quebec. This represents a budget of $170 million in addition to the $16.4 million announced during the economic update on November 21, 2024. This minimum of 118 new cell site construction projects is in addition to the 84 sites planned for Phase 1, where construction is already well underway.

The project will be entrusted to the cellular operator Ecotel (now Ambra Télécom). A local company that was also responsible for deploying LTE connectivity to provide wireless internet access to residents of the Haute-Mauricie region. The work is estimated at $3.3 million. The acquisition of the sites is nearing completion. They will be located in Trois-Rives, Lac Normand, La Tuque, the La Croche sector, and Lac-Édouard.

Phase 2 will improve cellular connectivity and, consequently, the safety of residents and visitors in the Laviolette–Saint-Maurice area. These investments will also support the region’s social vitality and economy.

The government plans to complete the work in areas where the signal is non-existent or of poor quality by December 31, 2026.

“On a Quebec-wide scale, the number of 11 new sites is quite exceptional. Eight of these sites already have internet transmission towers, which significantly reduces costs. It took technical ingenuity to convert these towers and avoid starting from scratch with new construction, which would have skyrocketed the bill. This represents a significant improvement in safety for the citizens of Haut-Saint-Maurice and visitors.”
Marie-Louise Tardif, Member of the National Assembly for Laviolette–Saint-Maurice

“The regions that will benefit from this new infrastructure, including Haut-Saint-Maurice, will quickly see the difference. Where their residents may have felt isolated, we are improving daily communications. Whether for leisure or work, this expanded cellular coverage will make life easier for those living in these areas. Tourism services will also be of a higher quality. A boost for the regional economy! We are continuing to fulfill our commitment. »
Gilles Bélanger, Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs

“As a local company, ECOTEL is proud to partner with Videotron to provide public cellular coverage using its existing network of towers, in addition to adding two new towers to be built in the La Croche area. Given the highly competitive mobile phone market, it is a challenge today to have a business plan that makes new towers in remote areas profitable. We hope to have the support of municipal, provincial, and federal authorities so that this project is a long-term success.”
Éric L’Heureux, President and Founder of Ambra Telecom (Ecotel)