The Cree Radio Network is down due to technical problems with the uplink equipment. The equipment is obsolete and no replacement parts are available because they are no longer manufactured.
The James Bay Cree Communications Society was hoping a new fibre-optic network or support high-speed Internet would be available already, as it would cost $60,000 to $73,000 to replace the existing uplink system. Currently, the CRN is trying to use the Internet to bring you the latest news and weather programming. Heritage Canada is trying to find some funding to help the network get back up and running.
The JBCCS is also talking with the Grand Council in order to find emergency funding.
The CRN still reaches five of the nine communities in Eeyou Istchee via highspeed Internet, but will not be able to return to the broadcast airwaves for at least two weeks. The CRN wants to apologize for the service interruption, but promises to do everything it can to be back on the air in all communities as soon as possible.
