The Haute-Mauricie just a phone call away: a new cellular network to bring communities closer together and enhance their safety

Saint-Joseph de Mékinac, August 29, 2025 – Ecotel (now Ambra Telecom) is proud to announce the launch of the cellular network in Haute-Mauricie, a milestone long awaited by the region’s residents, workers, and visitors.

Thanks to a mandate from the Government of Quebec, ECOTEL (Ambra Telecom) has added cellular coverage at nine sites to serve areas previously without service. These towers, connected to over 500 km of fiber-optic cable, represent a true life-changing development for more than 10,000 people, who can now rely on reliable coverage to stay in touch with loved ones, work remotely, and travel safely. Two new cell towers will also be built in the La Croche area in 2026. Starting today, emergency calls can be made from any wireless device, regardless of the provider.

Headquartered in Mauricie, ECOTEL (Ambra Télécom) builds infrastructure used by partners to provide services to individuals. Videotron and its sister brand Fizz will use this infrastructure to expand their network coverage in Haute-Mauricie and offer their services there, so that residents can finally enjoy affordable mobile phone service.

“For years, we’ve been working to bring remote communities up to the same level of connectivity as major urban centers. This cellular network is making a tangible difference in people’s lives: it improves safety while traveling, facilitates emergency response, and supports the local economy. We are proud that Haute-Mauricie can now count on reliable and sustainable coverage,”
— Éric L’Heureux, President and Founder of Ecotel.

“Through this expansion in Haute-Mauricie, we are proud to enable even more Quebecers to access Videotron’s innovative and competitively priced services. “By providing reliable connectivity in these areas with our partner Ecotel, we are supporting economic vitality and improving the quality of life for residents and vacationers, while also facilitating emergency communications. Videotron’s commitment to serving the people of Quebec remains stronger than ever, and this new regional rollout is yet another clear demonstration of that.” » 
— Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor

A connection that enhances safety and local vitality

From Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac to Parent, via Trois-Rives, La Croche, and Lac-Édouard, the new network covers several major roads and formerly isolated villages. It facilitates emergency calls, makes travel safer, supports local vitality, and enhances the tourist experience for thousands of visitors.

With this project, Ambra Telecom and its partners are directly helping to break down the digital divide, strengthen public safety, and stimulate the social and economic development of the Haut-Saint-Maurice region.