Canadian cable operator Videotron plans to expand into the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region in under-served rural southwest Quebec. The company plans to offer consumers and small businesses telecommunications services including Internet, television and IP telephone service. Videotron expects to roll out its products and services by the end of 2019.

"Videotron's arrival on the scene as a full-fledged player will give local residents access to the best on the market," said Jean-Francois Pruneau, president and CEO of Videotron. "In addition to giving consumers real choice, we offer a unique customer experience and state-of-the-art products and services. I'm proud and I'm happy for the region."

Videotron already offers mobile telephone service and specialized business services for large companies in the region. As well, Videotron's parent company Quebecor partners with a number of events in the region and provides local news coverage through a TVA Network affiliate in the community.

Abitibi-Temiscamingue borders on Ontario. Its economy is dominated by mining, logging and agriculture.