Northwestel and Telesat formalize Telesat Lightspeed agreement

Executive Summary

• Northwestel has signed a multi‑year agreement with Telesat to use the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network for broadband delivery across Northern Canada.
• The partnership will provide sovereign, high‑speed broadband (minimum 50 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up) with unlimited usage to remote communities lacking fibre backhaul.
• The deal supports Canadian Arctic sovereignty and is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, education, healthcare, and government service delivery in the North.

Key Details

• Parties: Telesat (Nasdaq/TSX: TSAT) and Northwestel (largest communications provider in Canada’s North).
• Contract Scope: Multi‑year contract for access to Telesat Lightspeed LEO satellite services.
• Service Offering: Broadband plans delivering at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds, unlimited monthly data.
• Target Coverage: Expansion of high‑speed connectivity to the 97 communities currently served by Northwestel, focusing on those without fibre backhaul.
• Strategic Rationale: Enhances digital inclusion, supports economic development, education, healthcare, and reinforces Canadian Arctic sovereignty.
• Quotes:
• Michèle Beck, Senior Vice President of Canadian Sales, Telesat – highlighted the partnership’s role in delivering high‑performing northern broadband networks.
• Tammy April, Vice President of Strategic Growth, Northwestel – emphasized commitment to Canadian innovation and domestic technology for sovereign connectivity.

Notable Quotes

• “Northwestel’s leadership and vision for Northern connectivity… represents a powerful partnership to deliver high performing Northern broadband networks,” – Michèle Beck, Telesat SVP, Canadian Sales.
• “This agreement reflects our commitment to Canadian innovation that directly serves Canadian needs,” – Tammy April, Northwestel VP, Strategic Growth.