IQALUIT, NU – All 25 Nunavut communities will receive improved high-speed Internet access under the Federal Government’s new rural broadband program Connect to Innovate.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said Thursday that Northwestel will receive nearly $50 million in funding to improve high-speed coverage from Kugluktuk to Pangnirtung. The federal investment will “attract” an additional $73 million from Northwestel, which will build the backbone satellite network needed to make higher-speed Internet available in every community across Nunavut, reads the announcement.
“Internet access is now an essential part of everyday life. Canadians go online for education, health services, entertainment and shopping”, said Minister Bains, in the announcement. “Faster Internet connections allow Canadians to innovate. It allows them to get the skills and training they need to qualify for well-paying jobs. The smallest businesses, no matter where they are located, can participate fully in the global marketplace and achieve global scale in a flash with faster Internet service. We can no longer consider high-speed Internet a luxury.”
“This major investment, as part of the critically important Connect to Innovate program, will provide exciting new opportunities for education, health care and economic development in all 25 Nunavut communities”, added Northwestel COO Curtis Shaw. “By the end of 2019, schools, health centres, and service providers across Nunavut will have access to broadband speeds significantly faster than those available today. As northern Canada’s communications leader, Northwestel is very pleased to play a key role in ensuring the people of Nunavut have access to more advanced broadband infrastructure and services.”
