Canada is expanding high-speed Internet access in Nunavut

Press Release

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Federal investment of over $86 million to provide 11,650 homes in Nunavut with access to unlimited high-speed Internet

April 2, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation.

That is why today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced over $86 million in federal funding for a Northwestel project that will bring unlimited high-speed Internet access to 11,650 households, reaching all 25 communities in Nunavut.

This funding is being provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that all Canadian households, including those in rural, remote and northern communities, have access to reliable high-speed Internet.

To achieve this important milestone, Northwestel will partner with Telesat to secure high-speed Internet capacity through the company’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed. The Government of Canada and Telesat entered into a $600 million agreement to secure high-speed Internet capacity through the constellation, which will use next-generation technology to significantly improve connectivity across the country. Through the agreement, the Government of Canada is making capacity available to Internet service providers like Northwestel to help connect the most challenging rural and remote communities, including those in Canada’s North and Arctic regions.

Today’s announcement also builds on the government’s plan, developed in collaboration with territorial and Indigenous partners, to transform the North and to take full responsibility for defending Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Through this investment, thousands of Inuit will have stronger, more connected communities. The government is working in partnership with Internet service providers and Indigenous communities to build a united, connected North.

Better, more reliable connectivity will improve access to important online resources, help bridge the digital divide and increase safety for northern communities. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that every household in Canada has access to high-speed Internet by 2030 and is on track to meet its connectivity targets. This Universal Broadband Fund project is building toward that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities and makes sure communities can benefit from all of Canada’s potential.

Quotes

“People in Nunavut should have access to the same reliable high-speed Internet that most Canadians take for granted. Today, we’re making that happen through a transformative investment that will connect every community across the territory—over 11,000 households—to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. That means better access to health care, education and jobs, as well as the ability to stay connected with family and community. This is exactly what building Canada strong looks like, making sure that no matter where you live, you have the tools to succeed. With this investment, we’re getting that much closer to meeting our goal of connecting 100% of Canadian households by 2030.”

– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“Nothing happens in the North without partnership—and connectivity is no exception. We’re grateful to have a Canadian partner like Telesat and the support of the Government of Canada to provide cutting-edge and sovereign satellite solutions. Together, we’re proud to stand on the brink of closing the digital divide in satellite-served communities once and for all.”

– Tammy April, Vice President of Strategic Growth, Northwestel

“Telesat and Northwestel have decades of experience working together to provide essential connectivity to Canada’s North. This announcement today is an important new chapter in our partnership as we work together to deliver secure, high-speed sovereign connectivity to Nunavut’s communities. Telesat Lightspeed will support the digital transformation needed to connect homes, businesses and institutions, helping to ensure northern communities have the connectivity and, more importantly, the opportunity to grow and prosper.”

– Michèle Beck, Senior Vice President of Canadian Sales, Telesat

Quick facts

• Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.
• The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by the end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.
• Today, 96.3% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.
• When complete, the Northwestel project will bring unlimited high-speed Internet to all 25 communities in Nunavut.
• The Government of Canada is on track to meet its objective of 100% of households having access to high-speed Internet by 2030.
• Established as a Crown corporation in 1969, Telesat is now a Canadian-controlled and publicly traded corporation (TSAT: TSX and Nasdaq), employing Canadians across five provinces and one territory. It is one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators.
• The Government of Canada entered into a $600 million agreement with Telesat to secure high-speed Internet capacity over Canada through the company’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed. Under the agreement, this capacity will help Internet service providers improve connectivity in the most challenging rural and remote communities, including in the Far North.
• On March 12, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a plan to defend, build and transform Canada’s North, backed by over $40 billion, including more than $35 billion in federal investments.
•  Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit people and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, enabling victims of violence to access critical online resources and get help when they need it most.

Associated links

• Rural economic development
• High-Speed Internet Access Dashboard
• Universal Broadband Fund
• Backgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit capacity agreement
• Prime Minister Carney announces ambitious new plan to defend, build and transform the North
• High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy
• National Broadband Map
• Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Contacts
Connor Burton
Senior Communications and Issues Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Rural Development)
connor.burton@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-549-8093

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

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