CRTC to bring high-speed Internet to remote Inuit communities

OTTAWA — The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced it is spending almost $80 million to bring high-speed fibre Internet to five Inuit communities in northern Quebec.

Through its Broadband Fund, the CRTC is committing $79.4 million to the Kativik Regional Government to build a 933-kilometre fibre link that will connect the communities of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Aupaluk, Tasiujaq, Quaqtaq and Kangirsuk to high-speed Internet services, stated a release. The new network will bring high-speed Internet to more than 40 institutions, such as schools and health care centres, and will also support future projects to connect businesses and over 700 households.

The project received support from the communities themselves and other organizations including the Makivvik Corporation, which is the legal representative for the Inuit in Nunavik. The corporation’s letter of support stressed improving public safety, connecting family and friends and creating economic opportunities.

The CRTC launched the Broadband Fund in 2019 to help connect underserved rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Canada. To date, the CRTC has spent $694 million in 250 communities and along 540 kilometres of major roads.

“High-quality communications services are important to every aspect of our daily lives,” stated CRTC CEO Vicky Eatrides in a statement. “This will have a significant impact in these communities, connecting over 40 public institutions, including schools and health care centres.”