Northwestel to triple available Internet speeds in 8 NWT satellite communities over the next 2 years, with funding from Canada's Connect to Innovate program
Yellowknife, NWT, August 2nd 2023 – 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. These improvements are funded by the Government of Canada’s Connect to Innovate (CTI) program as well as Northwestel’s own significant investments. Through CTI, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $5 million in this initiative.
Homes Internet customers in these communities can subscribe to the new plan for $129/month and get 200 GB of monthly data.
"Three times faster Internet in these communities is going to make a huge difference in how our customers connect. Families will have easier access to distance education resources, e-health services, and online entertainment. And for businesses, it’ll allow them to better connect with their customers online." – Tammy April, Vice-President of Customer Experience.
Last year, Northwestel implemented OneWeb low Earth orbit technology in these communities, paving the way for the upgraded speeds.
Northwestel will contact customers when the new speeds are available in their community and customers can visit nwtel.ca/Internet or call us at 1 (888) 423-2333 to order.
Northwest Territories satellite communities
Sachs Harbour
Ulukhaktok
Paulatuk
Colville Lake
Gamètì
Wekweètì
Łutselk'e
Sambaa K'e
“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age— it’s a necessity. Having fast, reliable Internet helps rural Canadians access essential services, participate in the digital economy, connect with loved ones and so much more. The Government of Canada welcomes service improvements in the Northwest Territories that will provide access to faster speeds. We will continue to work side by side with our partners to achieve our connectivity targets and ensure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed Internet.” – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic
About the Connect to Innovate Program
Connect to Innovate (CTI) is a $585 million Government of Canada connectivity program. It funds projects that bring improved Internet speeds to rural and remote communities in Canada. CTI is part of a suite of federal investments under Canada's Connectivity Strategy.
About Northwestel
Northwestel is the largest telecommunications provider in Canada's north, serving 96
communities across Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia and Alberta. In 2020, Northwestel launched a 3-year Every Community plan to significantly improve broadband services for northern residents, governments and businesses using the latest fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. Thanks to Northwestel’s significant investments and funding from the CRTC Broadband Fund, over 80% of Yukon and NWT homes now have access to Internet that meets or exceeds
Canada’s universal service objective.
Northwestel media relations
media@nwtel.ca
(867) 455-4209
