Telesat, Northwestel sign Lightspeed LEO agreement

Executive Summary

• Northwestel has signed a multiyear contract with Telesat Corp. to utilize Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
• The agreement aims to deliver low-latency, sovereign broadband connectivity to 97 communities across Northern Canada, specifically targeting areas where fibre backhaul is unavailable.
• Northwestel plans to offer high-speed broadband plans with minimum speeds of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, featuring unlimited monthly usage.

Key Details

• Parties Involved: Northwestel (telecommunications provider) and Telesat Corp. (satellite operator).
• Service Type: Multiyear contract for Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
• Service Specifications:
  • Leverages the government of Canada's Telesat Lightspeed capacity pool.
  • Target speeds: At least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
  • Data allowance: Unlimited monthly usage.
  • Key benefits: Low-latency, sovereign broadband connectivity.
• Target Market: 97 communities across Canada’s North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Alberta), specifically remote communities lacking fibre backhaul.
• Strategic Goals:
  • Support economic growth, education, healthcare, and remote government services.
  • Reinforce Canada's Arctic sovereignty.
  • Complement Northwestel's existing fibre-powered and satellite technologies.

Notable Quotes

• Michele Beck, Telesat Senior Vice-President of Canadian Sales: "Northwestel's leadership and vision for Northern connectivity, combined with the advanced Canadian Telesat Lightspeed LEO network, represents a powerful partnership to deliver high-performing Northern broadband networks... Together we are ensuring that Canadians -- no matter how far north they live -- can fully participate in our nation's digital future, while reinforcing Canada's Arctic sovereignty."
• Tammy April, Northwestel Vice-President of Strategic Growth: "This agreement reflects our commitment to Canadian innovation that directly serves Canadian needs... By partnering with Telesat and leveraging their advanced LEO network, we are investing in domestic technology that strengthens Northern connectivity, supports sovereignty and delivers reliable broadband where it matters most."