In the second week of June, the Government of Nunavut (GN) released a request for proposals to connect Nunavut to the internet via undersea fibre cable. This will connect from Milton, Newfoundland to Iqaluit.
“This link is one step forward toward providing faster, more reliable and more affordable access to the internet for all Nunavummiut,” said David Joanasie, Nunavut’s Minister of Community and Government Services. “The last couple of years have highlighted that faster and more reliable internet is required to provide core government services such as education and healthcare. When complete, this fibre network in Iqaluit will free up additional bandwidth on the existing GN satellite network and enhance services in Nunavut.”
The link to Iqaluit is expected to make internet faster in Nunavut’s other communities because of the fibre link.
The project is expected to be awarded later this year, with surveys ideally taking place in 2023, cable being laid in 2024 and service starting in 2025. Barring any possible delays or staffing shortages. The previous goal to have the fibre line in service was spring 2024.
“Our government is committed to improving connectivity,” said Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am thrilled that soon Nunavummiut will be just a click away from reaching the rest of the world.”
The Kattittuq Nunavut Fibre Link is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and Nunavut, with the federal government contributing $151.2 million while the GN has contributed $50.4 million, up from $30 million following the 2022 Nunavut budget address.