Communications upgrades on the way for Tahltan Nation

DEASE LAKE, B.C.—Work has started on high-speed telecommunications infrastructure in Tahltan Territory.

The project is being overseen by Tahltan Communications – a partnership between Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and CityWest Cable and Telephone Corporation.

Tahltan Communications plans to install more than 200 kilometres of new fibre optic cable in unison with fibre optic strands that are part of the BC Hydro Northwest Transmission Line (NTL).

The project will provide high-speed gigabit connectivity to the communities of Iskut and Dease Lake by early 2023. The $13 million project will also provide high speed fibre optic-based telecommunication services to the many small, medium and large industrial businesses in Tahltan Territory.

Tahltan Communications stated the upgrades will improve the delivery of health care, safety, education and social services and boost economic development, environmental protection and infrastructure development.

“Rural communities throughout Canada continue to go without fast and reliable internet connectivity; that is about to change in Tahltan Territory, which is a region that accounts for 11 per cent of British Columbia,” said Paul Gruner, CEO of TNDC, in a statement. “TNDC’s partnership with CityWest is a game changer and will deliver on our key strategic priority to become a telecommunication provider of high-speed internet connectivity to Tahltan communities and those doing business in Tahltan Territory.”