Faster, more reliable Internet coming to the Northwest Territories

News Release

Project will improve high-speed Internet coverage in eight remote communities in the territory

April 8, 2016 – Ottawa – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For most Canadians, access to affordable and reliable broadband networks is an important part of everyday life. However, communities outside urban centres often face challenges in accessing Internet service at levels comparable to those in cities due to factors such as remote location and challenging terrain.

Northwestel Inc. is receiving up to $2.6 million from the Government of Canada to increase broadband Internet access for approximately 500 households in the communities of Lutselk'e, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, Colville Lake, Wekweètì, Gamèti and Trout Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Canadians in all parts of the country need access to high-speed Internet to take advantage of new economic and business opportunities and to connect with friends and family in Canada and beyond.

This funding through the Connecting Canadians program will provide the communities with access to broadband at speeds of five megabits per second or more.

Quotes

"Helping to extend high-speed Internet across the country is one of the most important infrastructure investments the Government of Canada can make to help unlock the tremendous potential of our country's northern and rural regions. By working with partners across the country, the Government is helping to deliver increased broadband coverage to underserved areas across Canada. This will provide Canadians with greater employment and business opportunities, better access to online education and e-health, improved communications and media, and increased access to online goods and services."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Faster, more reliable broadband Internet is essential for people in Canada's north. This significant investment will provide more people in the Northwest Territories with greater economic and employment opportunities by increasing their ability to participate in the digital economy."

– Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

"Northwestel is proud to extend its relationship with Industry Canada as we work together to improve Internet speeds for customers in satellite-served communities in the Northwest Territories. We are proud to play a major role in the improvement and sustainability of broadband infrastructure in the North, delivering services that bring our customers closer to the things and the opportunities that matter most to them."

– Paul Flaherty, President and CEO, Northwestel Inc.

Quick facts

  • The $305-million Connecting Canadians program will extend and enhance broadband service to over 300,000 households across Canada.
  • Additionally, through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada will invest $500 million over five years for a new program to extend and enhance broadband service in rural and remote communities.

Associated links

Contacts

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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