Improved broadband and cellular service is on the way for rural and remote areas of Manitoba.

Central Services Minister Reg Helwer says the province has signed a memorandum of understanding with Xplornet.

“The Xplornet agreement provides for the connection of over 125-thousand more Manitoba homes with modern broadband access. This addresses approximately 97 percent of the unserved and underserved areas of Manitoba.” Helwer said.

The deal will also provide 350 Manitoba communities with cellphone access, and nearly 30 First Nations and 270 rural and northern communities with broadband services.

“Xplornet looks forward to collaborating with the government of Manitoba and accelerating our facilities-based network investment plans to deliver improved speeds and unlimited data plans at affordable prices to rural Manitoban homes and businesses,” Allison Lenehan, president and CEO, Xplornet said in a news release.

The Manitoba government, Manitoba Hydro, and Manitoba Hydro Telecom, are collaborating to finalize the contract in the coming weeks.