"We recognize the social and economic benefit of a connected Manitoba, and we are pleased to partner with Xplornet, one of Canada’s leading broadband service providers, to provide reliable, high-speed internet and cell services to Manitobans who have gone without these services for far too long,” said Premier Brian Pallister in a news release. The agreement will provide broadband internet access to nearly 30 First Nations and approximately 270 other communities. It will also serve 350 communities with cell phone access. Few of the communities it will affect are north of the 53rd parallel, with the exception of Cranberry Portage, Mosakahiken Cree Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Northern communities like Lynn Lake with no cell phone service and limited internet service providers are not among the list of affected communities.