Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

11/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/14/2024 10:47

Ontario and Starlink to Bring High-Speed Satellite Internet to Remote Communities

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SUDBURY- The Ontario government is partnering with Starlink to launch the new Ontario Satellite Internet (ONSAT) program, which will offer high-speed satellite internet access to 15,000 eligible unserved and underserved homes and businesses, including in rural, remote and northern communities, beginning in June 2025.

"Our government is pleased to work with Starlink to offer a highly advanced satellite internet service that will help people living and working in the hardest to reach areas of the province access high-speed internet," said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. "Our government knows how essential it is to have access to online services and supports, which is why we are using all viable options and technologies, including fibre, fixed wireless and satellite to ensure every community across the province has access by the end of 2025."

More details on the program and the registration process for eligible primary residences and businesses will be available in Spring 2025. The new ONSAT program is part of the government's nearly $4 billion investment to help bring access to reliable high-speed internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history.

Quick Facts

  • Starlink has the world's first and largest constellation of highly advanced satellites operating in a low-Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX.
  • As of November2024, Ontario has finalized agreements worth approximately $2.5 billion for over 270 projectsthat will enable high-speed internet access and improved cellular connectivity across the province. Over 100,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet to date, and about 450,000 additional premises will be connected by the end of 2025.
  • Visit Ontario's interactive online mapto find out where provincially funded high-speed internet projects are planned, currently under way or have been recently completed.

Quotes

"Bridging the digital divide is a priority for this government and Infrastructure Ontario is proud to play a critical role in the procurement and execution of solutions to deliver Ontarians the high-speed internet they need to succeed and thrive in an increasingly digital age. As we work to deliver high-speed internet access for Ontarians across the province, satellite offers the value and feasibility to provide high-speed internet specifically to some of our province's hardest to reach regions."

- Michael Lindsay
President and Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Ontario

"Maawandoon is honoured to be part of the awarded project alongside Starlink and FSET, demonstrating an effort that will transform connectivity in Indigenous communities. By partnering with Maawandoon, an Indigenous-owned company, we are ensuring that engagement is done thoughtfully and respectfully. Through Infrastructure Ontario, our collective focus will deliver critical infrastructure and create long-lasting socio-economic benefits for Indigenous communities across the Nations in Ontario."

- Darren Harper
President and Chief Executive Officer, Maawandoon

"FSET is proud to deploy Starlink to assist with advanced digital equity and bridge the digital divide for Indigenous communities across Ontario. Our commitment to this initiative stems from our belief that Starlink offers a solution to the existing gaps in internet connectivity. We are dedicated to transforming connectivity for remote communities, ensuring that even the most isolated regions have access to dependable internet. Providing high-speed internet to communities to improve their quality of life through connectivity allows for new opportunities for education, healthcare, economic growth and more. As a company rooted in the North, we are grateful for the trust and collaboration of our neighbouring communities. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone has equitable access."

- Nicole Brown
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, and Dave Brown, Chief Digital Officer and Managing Partner, FSET