CRTC allocates $39.7M from Broadband Fund to connect remote areas in Northern Canada, marking Nunavut's first high-speed internet access. Progress in rural connectivity. (IT World Canada)
The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has allocated $39.7 million from the Broadband Fund to facilitate the introduction of high-speed internet to 28 distant areas in Northern Ontario, Northern British Columbia, and, notably, in Nunavut, marking the initial connectivity for this region.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the CRTC underscored the compelling letters from Nunavut's municipalities, residents, businesses, and non-governmental organizations that emphasized the potential enhancements in education, healthcare accessibility, and the preservation of Inuit culture and language through improved internet access.
Vicky Eatrides, the Chairperson of CRTC, emphasized the pivotal role of high-quality internet and cellphone services in people's daily lives, marking a significant milestone as the CRTC endeavors to link all communities in Nunavut to high-speed internet for the first time.
The responsibility of delivering satellite internet service to 11,405 households across 25 Nunavut communities lies with SSI Micro Ltd. Their task is to ensure the provision of this essential service to these remote households.
Another recipient of this funding is Keewaytinook Okimakanak, tasked with maintaining satellite internet connectivity for 182 households in two First Nation communities in Northern Ontario.
Furthermore, in its commitment to expanding connectivity, the CRTC has allocated additional funding to Northwestel’s Yukon Fibre project, initially selected as part of the Broadband Fund in August 2020 for 24 Yukon communities. The expansion aims to introduce fiber-based internet services to Atlin, a small community located in northern British Columbia.
The CRTC has reiterated its ongoing assessment of applications and has indicated forthcoming funding announcements in 2024.
Since its launch in 2019, the Broadband Fund has been dedicated to bridging the connectivity gap in underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It has already committed over C$300 million to enhance high-speed internet and cellphone services in more than 230 communities.
