Northwestel announced Wednesday that Atlin, B.C. — a community previously unconnected to terrestrial internet — is the first community in northern Canada to receive 1 Gbps internet speeds powered by fibre-to-the-home technology.
Northwestel said it completed its fibre transport network to Atlin in December 2024, which enabled Bell Mobility cellular service in the community. “Now that the in-community fibre infrastructure is in place, Northwestel has begun offering fibre internet, TV, and fibre phone services to Atlin,” a Northwestel press release said.
To celebrate the launch in Atlin, Northwestel is offering discounts for a limited time on all services, including a $50 monthly credit for up to six months on unlimited internet plans, six months of complimentary TV, and one month of complimentary phone service.
Earlier this month, Northwestel filed with the CRTC revised tariffs and proposed winback discounts to introduce residential 1 Gbps internet packages to its customers. Northwestel previously told Cartt it had launched 1 Gbps full-fibre internet service to Atlin on June 16.
“It’s incredible that, in the past six months, Atlin has gone from a community with minimal connectivity to being the most connected place in all Northern Canada,” said Nathan Pullar, vice president of network technology at Northwestel, in the company’s press release Wednesday. “We’d like to extend our congratulations and appreciation to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, who were fierce advocates for enhancing their community’s connectivity. We’re honoured to be your chosen partner in providing best-in-class connectivity for the community.”
“Connectivity goes beyond just access to entertainment; for us in Atlin, it is about safety and empowerment. High-speed internet is now a lifeline, ensuring that our community has access to essential services like healthcare and education,” said Charmaine Thom, spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, in a statement. “We thank our partners at Northwestel, the Government of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada for their steadfast support in making this a reality for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and our community.”
The Atlin fibre project was funded by Northwestel, the province of British Columbia and the CRTC’s Broadband Fund.
Northwestel said the next community to receive this upgrade to 1 Gbps fibre-to-the-home internet will be the Granger neighbourhood in Whitehorse, as Northwestel invests $3 million to upgrade its infrastructure.
Aerial photo of Atlin, via atlininn.com
