Ottawa will pay up to $939,035 to Bell to improve mobile connectivity in the Atikamekw community of Manawan, in Lanaudière, continuing the federal government's goal of connecting rural homes in Quebec.

"We must close the remaining connectivity gap in Quebec and ensure that every nook and cranny of the province has access to reliable mobile services," Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings said in a statement Thursday.

Ottawa aims to connect 98% of Canadians by 2026 and the entire population by 2030. Since 2015, more than $731 million has already been invested in this initiative in La Belle Province.

“Access to the mobile network is a key element of the economic prosperity of the country. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada and to participate, through the implementation of a reliable and fast mobile network, in the development of the Atikamekw community of Manawan", mentioned the vice-president of the Quebec branch. de Bell, Karine Moses.