Ottawa and Quebec invest $35M to improve internet access in Nunavik

The governments of Canada and Quebec are injecting $35 million to help extend basic internet service for Nunavik residents, businesses and organizations.

The Quebec minister responsible for the Northern Plan, Pierre Arcand, made the announcement Thursday in Quebec City, along with the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Denis Lebel.

The investment will help improve satellite internet service in Nunavik,pending the arrival of fibre-optic technologyin the territory.

Over 65,000 homes are expected to benefit from these improvements, and home internet service speeds are expected to double as a result.

The funds willhelp with the renewal of the satellite broadband internet service for the next five years, and enable the replacement of the aging local distribution networks in Kuujjuaq, Puvirnituq, Inukjuak and Salluit.

The announcementcomes just days before the federal election is expected to kick-off, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper expected to launch the campaign as early as Sunday.