Connecting over 150 NW Territories households to high-speed Internet 

$2.3 million investment from the federal government will bring high-speed Internet to Whatì and mobile coverage to traditional hunting and fishing areas

Hay River – Everyone needs reliable and affordable connectivity, no matter where they live in Canada. That is why the Government of Canada is bringing high-speed Internet access and mobile connectivity to underserved communities across the country.

Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, together with Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, announced over $1.9 million in federal funding for a Northwestel project that will bring high-speed Internet access to 152 Indigenous households in Whatì. They also announced $480,000 in federal funding for a project by SSi Micro Ltd. to provide cellular access to a repositionable communications shelter, located in hunting and fishing grounds near Fort Providence, that will allow communities to stay connected, no matter where they are on the land.

This funding is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that Canadians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have access to reliable Internet and mobile connectivity.

These projects are helping the Government of Canada exceed its commitment to ensure that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030. Ensuring access to secure and reliable mobile connectivity for Indigenous communities is also a top priority for the government, particularly in an increasingly digital world. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Canada for everyone.