More internet bandwidth on its way to Nunavik – Nunatsiaq News

Feb 25, 2021

The Kativik Regional Government says it’s still waiting on news of federal funding that could expand its plans to deliver speedier internet through fibre-optic cables to five more Nunavik communities.

Under its current plan, the KRG’s internet provider, Tamaani, is set to lay a new underwater fibre-optic cable this summer from Chisasibi, in James Bay, north to Puvirnituq, with spurs connecting to Kuujjuaraapik, Umiujaq and Inukjuak. The cable is set to be installed and in operation by the end of 2021.

Kuujjuaq would connect to the fibre-optic network in Schefferville, Que., roughly 400 kilometres south via microwave towers, while the rest of the region’s communities will get increased satellite capacity.

The KRG has also applied for about $100,000 from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission as well as from Ottawa’s Universal Broadband Fund, said Daryl Combden, director of the KRG’s administration department, during regional council meetings in Kuujjuaq on Tuesday.