Efforts underway to improve internet access in Nunavut

Several projects are underway to improve internet access in Nunavut, which has long been slow, unreliable and costly for many residents.

Several projects are underway to improve internet access in Nunavut, which has long been slow, unreliable and costly for many residents.

Quintillion and CanArctic Inuit Networks Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year to build a subsea fibre optic cable network in the North American Arctic. Initially, they plan to construct a fibre line from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., to Iqaluit.

Madeleine Redfern, chief operating officer of CanArctic, a majority Inuit owned company, said the project is "effectively shovel-ready," but requires funding. She said the goal is to complete a marine survey this summer, which would allow for construction in 2024.

"The need is immediate," she said. "Without this type of infrastructure, northerners, especially those in Nunavut, continue to pay the highest internet, telephone and cellphone services."

Redfern said improved internet access would benefit residents, businesses and the resource sector, as well as support Arctic defence efforts.

"There are so many needs and opportunities that fibre optic cable can bring into our community," she said.

A recent report on Arctic security and sovereignty by the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence recommended the federal government work with Indigenous-led corporations on subsea fibre optic and other projects to provide increased and affordable internet coverage across the Arctic.