Co-op network to bring Nunavik on-line

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

Nunavik’s co-operative network, the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, is moving ahead with its plan to offer Internet services to Nunavik.

This new service will be available this winter in Puvirnituq and Salluit, and in Inukjuak by spring, 2002.

A press release issued by the FCNQ says the co-operative network will then start to offer Internet service to all Nunavik communities.

The high-speed service will be routed through the existing cable television system owned and operated by the FCNQ member stores.

The FCNQ is calling the new Internet service “Ilagi,” which means “family” in Inuttitut.

“It also suggests the link to FCNQ through “ilagisaq,” the Inuttitut name for the Federation,” said FCNQ president Paulussie Kasudluak.

At the same time, the Kativik Regional Government is continuing with its own plan to install a wireless telecommunications system throughout Nunavik.

Both the KRG and FCNQ have been vying for federal and provincial funds to kick-start their own vision of Internet service to Nunavik.

The FCNQ has not received any government money, but its board of directors decided not to wait and to move forward with the Internet business.

“It is important for our development as Inuit, to keep such a vital service in the hands of the co-op,” Kasudluak said.

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