Press Release: Enhancement of Internet Services in Nunavik
Kuujjuaq, Québec, August 23, 2018 – Jennifer Munick, Chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG), and Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced in Kuujjuaq the contribution of the Government of Canada to the KRG Tamaani Internet phase 5 project. The contribution made through the Connect to Innovate program will finance 50% of the costs associated with the $125-million project. In November 2017, the Québec government, through the Société du Plan Nord, committed to cover the other half of the project costs.
“This KRG Tamaani project will lead to faster and better Internet services for residential, business and government users,” stated Ms. Munick. “It will reduce our reliance on expensive satellite broadband and shrink the digital divide between north and south even more.”
The KRG Tamaani Internet phase 5 project will place the first undersea cables in Hudson Bay and give at least five Nunavik communities access to high-speed broadband . A high-speed network will be constructed to link Kuujjuaq to Schefferville. The installation of local fibre-optic networks will also be completed in all Nunavik communities.
“For northern Québec communities, digital investment through the Connect to Innovate program enhances opportunities for residents of all ages,” said Mr. Lauzon. “It’s all part of our government’s plan to help create opportunity in all communities, including remote communities in the North.”
“Access to high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s essential,” affirmed Mr. Bains in a written statement. “Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, we’re able to build stronger communities and unlock tremendous economic potential through high-speed Internet, leading to the creation of new products, businesses and middle-class jobs.
Tamaani Internet was launched in 2004 as Nunavik’s first region-wide broadband and Internet services provider. The installation of high-performance, reliable undersea and ground fibre-optic infrastructure will make Nunavik an integral part of the digital revolution.