Media
At Northwestel, we are proud to deliver telecommunications services to some of the most remote northern communities in all of Canada. Not only that, but we have the largest operating area of any telecommunications company in the western hemisphere. We provide a complete range of voice, video and data solutions to residential and business customers in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta.
Media contact
Northwestel Inc.
PO Box 2727
Whitehorse, YT
Y1A 4Y4
News releases
Northwestel announces completion of Canada North Fibre Loop.
November 26th, 2024, Whitehorse, YT – Northwestel announces the completion of the Canada North Fibre Loop (CNFL). This 3,857-kilometre fibre loop protects most Northerners in the Yukon and Northwest Territories from internet and cellular service disruptions caused by major infrastructure damage.
November 12, 2024, Whitehorse, YT – Yukon Government, Deputy Premier Minister Jeanie McLean, City of Whitehorse Deputy Mayor Dan Boyd, Kwanlin Dün Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith, Ta’an Kwäch'än Council Chief Ruth Massie, the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society, and Northwestel kicked off their annual toy drive this morning at the City of Whitehorse’s Fire Station Two.
Northwestel announces high-speed internet service in Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson, N.W.T.
October 23th, 2024, Tsiigehtchic, NT – Northwestel is excited to announce the launch of high-speed fibre internet in the communities of Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories.
Open season for northern artists: 2025 Northwestel Directory Art Contest officially underway
September 12th, 2024, Whitehorse, YT – Northwestel has kicked off its 2025 Directory Art Contest and is inviting northern artists to enter now.
Northwestel delivers internet and TV price decreases and introduces new 700 Mbps service
September 11th, 2024, Whitehorse, YT – The fastest home internet in the North just got faster with the introduction of Northwestel’s new 700 Mbps download speed plan, Unlimited Internet 700.
June 17th, 2024, Yellowknife - Northwestel and Eutelsat OneWeb launched a Satellite Network Portal (SNP) in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on the afternoon of June 14. It is the first facility of its kind in Yellowknife, located on the traditional territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
June 11th, 2024, Whitehorse and Montreal – Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous communities from the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as Northwestel and Bell Canada today announced a landmark partnership to advance Indigenous self-determination through the Indigenous ownership of critical telecommunications infrastructure in the North.
Northwestel and Chu Níikwän LP celebrate grand opening of new Yukon tech headquarters.
April 16, 2024, Whitehorse, Yukon - Today, Northwestel and Chu Níikwän opened the doors of Yukon’s new corporate headquarters. Community leaders attended this event including representatives from Chu Níikwän LP, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Uyenets'echᶖa Smith and Council members, Government of Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, Mayor Laura Cabott, and Northwestel President Curtis Shaw.
Arviat artist’s captivating artwork wins in Northwestel Nunavut directory cover contest.
March 28th, 2024, Iqaluit, NU – An artist from Arviat has won the 45th Northwestel Nunavut Directory Art Cover Contest. Nooks Lindell’s captivating artwork, titled "Wheeling," beautifully captures the essence of Inuit craftsmanship and celebrates the fusion of tradition and modernity.
Inuvik artist wins Northwestel directory cover contest with stunning depiction of the Arctic Ocean.
March 28th, 2024, Yellowknife, NT - An Inuvik-based artist is the winner of Northwestel’s Directory Art Contest. Sehrish Khan’s artwork "The Ocean's Touch “is featured on the cover of the 2024 directory for the Northwest Territories.
Northwestel upgrades Dettah to North’s fastest home Internet at 500 Mbps.
December 19th, 2023
Today, Northwestel connected Dettah to its newly built fibre line that extends to Dettah from Yellowknife along the Ingraham Trail. This upgrade allows the community to receive 500 Mbps speeds and unlimited data, just in time to stay in and connect with family and loved ones over the holidays.
Northwestel becomes the new telephone service provider in Atlin.
November 23rd, 2023
Northwestel has taken over as the provider of telephone services for the community from previous incumbent, TELUS, to provide local support for residents and businesses. Northwestel is grateful for all the support from Taku River Tlingit First Nation during this transition, and for the community’s warm welcome.
Northwestel brings fast, unlimited fibre Internet to Mayo and Stewart Crossing.
November 2nd, 2023
Today, Northwestel launched fibre Internet to Mayo and Stewart Crossing in the Yukon, on the traditional territory of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation. On top of connecting fibre directly to homes, Northwestel extended its fibre network from Stewart Crossing to Mayo.
Tuktoyaktuk becomes northern-most community in Canada with fibre technology, as Northwestel brings fast, unlimited Internet.
October 4th, 2023
Today, Northwestel launched fibre Internet in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, making it the northern-most place in Canada to have in-community fibre technology. Customers in Tuktoyaktuk can now access high-speed, unlimited fibre Internet.
Northwestel brings fast, unlimited fibre Internet to Pelly Crossing, Carmacks, Ross River and Faro.
September 20th, 2023
Today, Northwestel launched fibre Internet to Pelly Crossing and Carmacks in the Yukon. Ross River and Faro were also upgraded to fibre Internet this August. Now 85% of Yukon’s households have access to fast, unlimited fibre-powered connections.
Statement from Northwestel President Curtis Shaw on northern telecommunications during the current wildfires
August 10th, 2023
In the face of a historic wildfire season, the Northwestel team is focused on maintaining access to telecommunications services as we support the firefighters, emergency responders and impacted communities.
Yellowknife, NWT – Northwestel has tripled available Internet speeds in Sambaa K’e, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok with the introduction of a new 15 Mbps Internet
plan as part of a 2-year plan to bring faster Internet to all NWT satellite communities.
NWT now most connected territory as Fort Resolution, Kakisa and Enterprise get unlimited Fibre Internet.
July 12th, 2023
Yellowknife, NWT – Today, Northwestel launched fibre Internet to three more Northwest Territories communities – Fort Resolution, Kakisa and Enterprise. Now twenty-one NWT communities have access to fast, unlimited fibre-powered connections, making it the most connected territory.
Northwestel celebrates completing its fibre Internet upgrade to Marsh Lake and Judas Creek
July 6th, 2023
Whitehorse, YT, Canada – Northwestel proudly sponsored Marsh Lake's Canada Day community BBQ as the company celebrated the completion of its local fibre
upgrade.
Northwestel launches fibre Internet in Nahanni Butte and Aklavik, NWT
June 5th, 2023
Yellowknife, NT, Canada – Northwestel launched fibre Internet to 2 more communities in the NWT, Aklavik and Nahanni Butte. Residents can now enjoy access to high-speed, unlimited fibre Internet.
Read more
Swedish Space Corporation, OneWeb, Northwestel partner on 10 year satellite network site to enhance connectivity across Northern Canada
May 17th, 2023
Stockholm, Sweden; Yellowknife, NT, Canada – Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has signed a 10-year contract with the low Earth orbit satellite communications company OneWeb to build and manage its Satellite Network Portal (SNP) in Yellowknife, NT, Canada.
Northwestel brings fast unlimited fibre Internet to first Marsh Lake neighbourhood
March 16th, 2023
Whitehorse, YT – Today, Northwestel launched full fibre Internet and TV service to the Judas Creek Drive area of Marsh Lake as part of its plan to roll out fibre service to most of Marsh Lake in 2023. Residents can now enjoy Internet speeds up to 500 Mbps, unlimited data, and live TV through the Northwestel TV Plus app.
Northwestel introduces affordable entry-level home Internet plan; drops rates on top speed home plan
February 16th, 2023
Whitehorse YT, Yellowknife NWT - Northwestel is taking action to make top speed Internet plans more affordable and introducing a more affordable entry-level Internet plan. Northwestel’s fastest home Internet plan Unlimited Internet 500 will drop by $20/month, and Unlimited Internet 300 will decrease by $10/month. In addition, the company is introducing a new home Internet 15 plan for $57.95/month.
Whitehorse raises the flag in support of mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day 2023
January 25, 2023
Whitehorse - The Bell Let’s Talk flag was raised today at Whitehorse City Hall in support of the 13th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day. By raising the Bell Let’s Talk flag, Whitehorse joins the world’s largest conversation about mental health, encouraging community members to take action today and every day for mental health.
Northwestel and OneWeb teams upgrade far north communities to low Earth orbit satellite technology
January 9th, 2023
Yellowknife NWT, Whitehorse, YT – Surfing, streaming, online banking, and more in Paulatuk and Gamètì, NWT and Old Crow, Yukon now flow over OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Soon, seven other communities will connect the same way.
Whitehorse YT, Yellowknife NWT, December 7 2022 – Northwestel marked the completion of its 2022 fibre-to-the-home projects with community celebrations in Burwash Landing and Haines Junction, Yukon. These are two of 17 Yukon and NWT communities that received fibre-to-the-home service in 2022...
Northwestel launches fastest-in-the-North home Internet plans with speeds of 500 Mbps.
Whitehorse, YT - Today, Northwestel launched the North’s fastest home Internet plans, available in 20 communities in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Home Internet customers can now access download speeds of up to 500 Mbps with unlimited monthly data.
Northwestel launches fibre internet in Wrigley
September 06, 2022
Today, Northwestel launched fibre internet in Wrigley, Northwest Territories. Customers in Wrigley can now access high-speed, unlimited fibre Internet.
Northwestel launches fibre internet in Délı̨nę
September 06, 2022
Today, Northwestel launched fibre internet in Délı̨nę Northwest Territories. Customers in Délı̨nę can now access high-speed, unlimited fibre Internet.
August 02, 2022
Fort Good Hope and Tulita are the first fly-in communities with seasonal winter-road access to be fully connected to fibre in the north. Homes and businesses are now served with the same fibre optic technology that connects people in Canada’s largest cities.
Chu Níikwän LP and Northwestel partner to build telco’s flagship Yukon headquarters on First Nation land
June 9, 2022
Whitehorse, Yukon – Chu Níikwän LP and Northwestel are partnering to build a new Yukon headquarters for the northern Canadian telecommunications company, expected to be completed in 2024. The headquarters will be located on Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) settlement land on Quartz Road in Whitehorse, with the architecture inspired by Kwanlin Dün artistic and cultural traditions.
May 5, 2022
Whitehorse, YT – For the first time in Canada, the vast majority of a province or territory’s in-community fibre assets are now Indigenous-owned. Northern Canada’s telecommunications provider Northwestel today announced the sale of its Yukon fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) assets to a group of 13 Yukon First Nation development corporations. The announcement took place at the Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference in Whitehorse.
Northwestel launches Fibre Internet in Dettah.
April 5, 2022
Dettah, NT, April 5, 2022 – Today, Northwestel rolled out Fibre-to-the-home in Dettah, Northwest Territories. Customers in Dettah can now connect to the best Internet technology in the North and access unlimited data and speed of up to 50 Mbps – more than 3x times faster than previously available.
Northwestel boosts speeds for all NWT and Yukon unlimited Internet customers
March 31, 2022
Whitehorse/ Yellowknife – Unlimited Internet customers will now be able to stream, game and surf faster than before at no additional cost as Northwestel boosts speeds on every unlimited Internet plan.
Fort Nelson, Muskwa, Prophet River, Toad River, Fireside, Blueberry / Wonowon – March 29, 2022
March 28, 2022
Northwestel is performing a network upgrade in the Northern Rockies Region on April 3, from 12:01 am to 6:00 am PT.
Northwestel launches Fibre Internet in Fort Simpson.
March 15, 2022
Fort Simpson, NT, March 15, 2022 – Northwestel has rolled out Fibre-to-the-home in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. Customers in Fort Simpson can now connect to the best Internet technology in the North and access unlimited data and speed of up to 250 Mbps – 16x times faster than previously available
Northwestel launches Fibre Internet in Fort Providence and Jean Marie River.
March 1, 2022
Fort Providence and Jean Marie River, NT, March 1, 2022 – Northwestel has rolled out Fibre-to-the-home in Jean Marie River and Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. Customers in these two communities can now connect to the best Internet technology in the North and access unlimited data and speeds of up to 250 Mbps – 16x times faster than previously available.
Northwestel rolls out unlimited Internet to Teslin and Fort Liard with Fibre-to-the-home.
February 1, 2022
Teslin/Fort Liard – Today, Northwestel launched Fibre-to-the-home service to homes and businesses in Teslin, YT and Fort Liard, NT. Residential customers in the two communities now have access to unlimited data, speeds of up to 250 Mbps, and the new digital streaming TV service, Northwestel TV Plus. High-speed unlimited Internet is now also available to businesses in the two communities.
Northwestel makes unlimited home Internet plans more affordable
January 27, 2022
Whitehorse/Yellowknife – Today, Northwestel received CRTC approval to lower unlimited home Internet rates by $10 per month. The rate changes take effect immediately. Northwestel will also be upgrading all home Internet 125 and Internet 250 monthly data plans to unlimited Internet at no additional cost.
January 27, 2022
Whitehorse – The Government of Yukon has partnered with Bell Let’s Talk and Northwestel to launch Strongest Families Institute’s mental health programming for Yukon children, youth, adults and families
Northwestel launches unlimited Internet, Fibre-to-the-home in Behchokǫ̀.
January 17, 2022
Old Crow YT – Today Northwestel launched full fibre Internet service to homes and businesses in Behchokǫ̀, NT. Customers now have access to...
December 1, 2021
Old Crow YT – Today Northwestel launched new residential and business Internet plans in Old Crow with 3 times faster speeds and up to...
November 1, 2021
Dawson City, YT, Watson Lake, YT, November 1, 2021 – Today Northwestel launched full Fibre Internet service to over 1000 homes in 3 Yukon communities:...
Northwestel seeks approval to increase speeds, lower rates on popular northern Internet plans.
August 31, 2021
Whitehorse, YT – Northwestel has submitted two tariff applications to immediately increase the Internet speeds of its most popular residential fibre and cable Internet plans...
August 30, 2021
Hay River, NT – Hay River and Inuvik residents can now catch all the best in real-time sports, drama, news and more...
August 11
London/Canada — OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, and Northwestel, northern Canada’s largest telecommunications provider, today announced...
3100+ northern students earn donations for their schools through Northwestel recycling challenge
July 6
Whitehorse, YT — The hard work of 3,130 northern students is being celebrated today as Northwestel announces the results of its annual Directory...
Northwestel begins rolling out fibre
June 9
Dawson City, YT — Construction is underway on Northwestel’s three-year project to bring high speed unlimited Internet to every community in...
A Yukon story in paint and clay
May 3
Whitehorse, YT — A Whitehorse artist has earned a second top spot in Northwestel’s annual directory art contest. Amber Church’s artistic tribute to...
Northwestel introduces temporary COVID-19 Internet data relief in Nunavut
April 20
Iqaluit, NU – In order to assist in Nunavut’s COVID-19 response, Northwestel has reintroduced temporary Internet data relief for residential customers on Katittuq plans...
A splash of colour: Inuvik artist’s painting of playful narwhals wins directory cover art contest
April 7
Inuvik, NT — Tracy Blyth is sharing her lively and colourful artwork with everyone in the Northwest Territories. That’s because the Inuvik-based artist’s painting, Stargazers, will be splashed...
Baker Lake painter takes top spot in Northwestel Nunavut directory cover contest
March 29
Iqaluit, NU — A Baker Lake-based painter is the big winner in Northwestel’s directory cover art competition. Kaytlyn Amitnak’s oil-on-canvas painting “Dancing Grizzly Bear” is featured...
Unlimited Fibre Internet from Northwestel now available in Inuvik
February 1
Inuvik, NT – Unlimited Fibre Internet from Northwestel has landed in the Arctic Circle. Inuvik residential and business customers are now able to order the North’s fastest...
Northwestel reintroduces temporary Internet data relief in Nunavut
November 26, 2020
Iqaluit, NU – In support of Nunavut’s COVID-19 efforts, Northwestel will reintroduce temporary Internet data usage relief for residential customers on Katittuq plans in....
Unlimited Internet is coming to 7 Northern communities on December 1st
November 24, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - The CRTC has approved unlimited Internet for Northwestel cable and fibre customers beginning next Tuesday. Beginning December 1st, eligible residential and business customers....
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Northwestel seeks approval for unlimited Internet for as little as $10 more per month
October 14, 2020
Whitehorse, Yukon - Today Northwestel submitted tariff applications to the CRTC for new business and residential Internet packages with an unlimited data... -
Northwestel to launch unlimited Internet option in 7 communities on November 1
August 30, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - Northwestel has written to the CRTC confirming its intention to launch residential and business Internet packages with unlimited data... -
Northwestel, territorial governments recognize important CRTC Broadband Fund decision
August 13, 2020
Yesterday, the CRTC announced $62.46 million in funding to improve internet speeds and capacity for more than 10,000 homes in Yukon and Northwest territories... -
Northwestel Statement on CRTC Broadband Fund Decisions
August 12, 2020
“Today’s CRTC Broadband Fund announcement is great news for Northern Canadians. The CRTC’s $62.46 million...
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Inuvik set to become the second Fibre-to-the-home community in the North
July 7, 2020
Inuvik, NT - Northwestel is expanding its best network technology to Inuvik, Northwest Territories (NT) by installing new Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) service...Northwestel adds more permanent data usage to most Internet packages
June 23, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - Starting July 1, most Northwestel residential and business Internet customers will have access to more Internet data every month. The North’s...Northwestel partners with CMHA-Yukon to boost mental health support
May 7, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - Northwestel is extending support for northern mental health with a $60,000 contribution to the Canadian Mental Health Association's Yukon...
Read moreMay 8, 2020
Hay River, NT – Hay River customers are now able to request the North’s fastest residential...College instructor builds on budding art career with Northwestel directory cover win
April 8, 2020
Yellowknife, NWT - An Aurora College instructor is celebrating her win in this year’s Northwestel Directory Cover Art competition to build on her growing art career...Nunavut designer recreates northern landmark as digital painting for Northwestel directory cover
April 15, 2020
Iqaluit, NU - Iqaluit-based artist Francis Lee has used his computer skills and a background in graphic design...Tlingit carver inpired by family on winning Yukon/BC Northwestel directory cover art
April 22, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - Lorraine M. Wolfe’s interest in her brother’s artistic success helped drive her toward a win in this year’s Northwestel directory cover art competition...Northwestel applies to CRTC for temporary relief on customer internet usage.
March 16, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - As part of it’s COVID-19 response, Northwestel has submitted an urgent application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for temporary relief... -
Northwestel announces immediate relief on customer Internet usage
March 23, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - Every Northwestel residential customer in Northern Canada will receive temporary relief on their Internet usage in March and April, following the...
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Canada’s North shows support for mental health on 10th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day
January 29, 2020
Whitehorse, YT - For the second year in a row, Bell Let’s Talk flags are flying proudly in capital cities across Canada’s territories, showing the North is taking action to support mental health...
Northwestel toy drive helps charity organizations support northern families during the holidays
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December 11, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - The annual Northwestel Holiday Toy Drive officially wrapped up for 2019 today, with more than 300 gifts collected. For the past four weeks, donations of toys and presents for northern children have been piling up at Northwestel retail locations... -
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Northwestel remembers Paul Flaherty
November 8, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - The Northwestel family is remembering former President and CEO, Paul Flaherty, who passed away earlier this week in Whitehorse, Yukon.
A former senior manager with Bell in Ontario and Quebec, Paul joined... -
October 8, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - Northwestel has submitted its CRTC Broadband Fund applications, defining the company’s vision for bringing 50/10 Mbps Internet with unlimited data options to every community in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut... -
High-speed Internet and LTE wireless now available in all 25 Nunavut communities
September 17, 2019
Iqaluit, NU - Northwestel and Bell today announced that 15 megabits per second (Mbps) Internet and LTE wireless service are now available in all 25 Nunavut communities, providing residents and businesses...Supporting Nunavut families: Northwestel commits $75,000 to Iqaluit Aquatic Centre
September 20, 2019
Iqaluit, NU - Today, Northwestel showed its commitment to Iqaluit families by pledging $75,000 in support of the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre. The company announced its 5-year partnership...July 24, 2019
Whitehorse, YT – School may be out for summer, but classes are back in session this week for more than 100 minor hockey players at the 17th annual ‘Learning to Lead’ hockey camp in Whitehorse...Small Yukon school wins big cash prize in Northwestel directory recycling challenge
June 10, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - Yukon Montessori School may have just 26 students, but that didn’t stop them from taking the top Yukon prize this year in Northwestel’s annual directory recycling program. The small Whitehorse school collected 371 telephone directories...Hay River to receive the North’s best network technology. Introducing Fibre to the Home.
June 26, 2019
Hay River, NWT – This summer, Northwestel is bringing the North’s best network technology to Hay River, Northwest Territories (NWT) by installing new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) service throughout most of the community...Inuksuk High School students reduce local waste by recycling more than 500 phone directories
May 22, 2019
Iqaluit, NU – Students at Inuksuk High School were recognized today for collecting 519 telephone directories to be recycled. For their efforts, the students have earned...May 23, 2019
Yellowknife, NT - Students from Mildred Hall were celebrating today after once again being named the Northwest Territories’ top performing school in Northwestel’s annual directory recycling program...Northwestel celebrates 40th anniversary with THANK YOU to the communities it serves
April 17, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - Northwestel is celebrating 40 years of connecting Northerners. Today, Northwestel celebrated by giving back, with employees volunteering at the Whitehorse Food Bank and donating $4000...Northwestel continues 40th anniversary celebration with support for Qajuqturvik Food Centre
April 26, 2019
Iqaluit, NU - Northwestel employees rolled up sleeves and put on aprons today to give back to the community. Volunteers from Northwestel served lunch at the Qajuqturvik Food Centre and presented the local facility with a $4000 donation...Inuk artist wins Northwestel directory cover contest with smartphone-created digital artwork
March 8, 2019
Iqaluit, NU — A young Inuk artist has turned her skills with a stylus pen into a big win in this year’s Northwestel Directory Cover Art competition. Dayle Kubluitok’s digital artwork Four Corners, was officially unveiled this evening...Northwestel boosts available Internet speeds in Fort Smith and Norman Wells
February 6, 2019
Fort Smith, NWT - Norman Wells and Fort Smith residents now have access to faster Internet speeds and more data usage as Northwestel launches residential Internet 125 and Business Internet 150 in those communities...Yellowknife father of 5 wins big with painting featured on Northwestel Directory Cover
February 25, 2019
Yellowknife, NWT - A local father of 5 used his love of art and limited spare time to turn in a winning piece for this year’s Northwestel Directory Cover Art competition. Darrell Chocolate’s painting, Serene Fall Season, was officially unveiled this evening as the cover image of...Northern Capitals join the world’s largest conversation about mental health
January 30, 2019
Whitehorse, YT - Today, Bell Let’s Talk flags are flying proudly in all three territorial capitals, as well as the Yukon’s Legislative Assembly, as a way of showing Northerners’ commitment to ending the stigma...
