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. The approved projects will bring residents in these northern communities to a standard of 50 Mbps download speeds, 10 Mbps upload speeds with an option for unlimited service within 3 years.

Northwestel would like to recognize the support of the Yukon Government, the Government of NWT, the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, the Association of Yukon Communities, the Yellowknife Dene First Nation and the Kluane Community Development Limited Partnership for their support of this important northern initiative.

“We are very pleased to see Northwestel receive this funding from the CRTC. The Government of Yukon was enthusiastic to support Northwestel’s application as it complements our innovation plan for the territory. These projects will benefit individuals, business as well as our growing tech sector and will make Yukon one of the most connected jurisdictions in the country. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Northwestel to expand connectivity and broadband access to communities throughout the territory.”
- Ranj Pillai, Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

“This decision by the CRTC to approve Northwestel’s submission will help close the gap in broadband access for many NWT residents. It will fund projects that will complete the “last mile” to connect NWT residents with fast, reliable, and more affordable broadband internet services and will support economic diversification, enhanced service delivery and create new education opportunities across all NWT communities.”
- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, Government of NWT

“This CRTC Broadband Fund announcement is great news for Northern Canadians. The CRTC’s $62.46 million in funding along with Northwestel’s continued significant investments will increase Internet speeds for over 10,000 households in Yukon and NWT with DSL and satellite service and provide an option for unlimited service.

We thank the CRTC for this important contribution and for entrusting Northwestel to deliver on this mandate. We also want to recognize and thank the Yukon Government, the Government of NWT, the Indigenous governments and community partners who supported these applications.”
- Curtis Shaw, Northwestel President

-30-

Contact:
Northwestel Media Relations
(867) 455-4209
media@nwtel.ca