Internet Providers in Canada’s Northern Territories (2026)
Finding reliable internet in Canada’s Northern Territories presents unique challenges. With vast distances, extreme weather, and sparse populations spread across Yukon, Northwest Territories (NWT), and Nunavut, internet infrastructure differs significantly from southern Canada. Whether you’re in Whitehorse enjoying fibre speeds up to 700 Mbps, or in a fly-in community relying on satellite, this guide covers all available providers, current pricing, and the best options for your community.
Find the Best ISP for Your Northern Community
Internet options vary dramatically across the North. Select your territory and community type to see personalized recommendations.
β‘ Quick Picks by Situation
- Up to 700 Mbps symmetric
- Truly unlimited data
- 95%+ coverage in YT/NWT
- 100-220 Mbps speeds
- Unlimited data
- Available territory-wide
- No credit card required
- Pay-as-you-go available
- All 25 Nunavut communities
Internet Service Providers
westel
Northwestel
The North’s Primary Telecommunications Provider
Northwestel is the dominant telecommunications provider across all three northern territories, serving 97 communities. A subsidiary of Bell Canada (soon to be acquired by Sixty North Unity, an Indigenous consortium), Northwestel has invested over $550 million in northern infrastructure over the past decade.
With the completion of the Canada North Fibre Loop in November 2024, over 95% of homes in Yukon and NWT now have access to high-speed, unlimited fibre-powered internet β a remarkable achievement for such a vast, remote region.
Northwestel Unlimited Fibre Plans (Major Centres)
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 50 Unlimited | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $129.95/mo |
| Internet 100 Unlimited | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $149.95/mo |
| Internet 200 Unlimited | 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $189.95/mo |
| Internet 300 Unlimited | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $199.95/mo |
| Internet 500 Unlimited | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $209.95/mo |
| Internet 700 Unlimited | 700 Mbps | 700 Mbps | $219.95/mo |
| 1 Gigabit Unlimited (Yellowknife) | 1 Gbps | 30 Mbps | $219.95/mo |
Northwestel Budget Plans (with Data Caps)
| Plan | Download | Data Cap | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Light | 0.768 Mbps | 10 GB | $37.76/mo |
| Internet 5 | 5 Mbps | 25-50 GB | $41.95/mo |
| Internet 15 | 15 Mbps | 200 GB | $57.95/mo |
| Internet 20 | 20 Mbps | 300 GB | $79.95/mo |
| Internet 50 | 50 Mbps | 400 GB | $110.95/mo |
| Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | 500 GB | $139.95/mo |
Pro Tip: Northwestel + Bell Mobility customers get a $20/month bundle credit indefinitely. Check nwtel.ca/bellbundle for details.
link
Starlink
Game-Changing Satellite Internet
Starlink has been transformative for northern communities since expanding coverage to all three territories in 2022-2023. Using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink delivers speeds previously unavailable in remote areas β often 10-20x faster than traditional satellite.
For residents in satellite-dependent communities (especially Nunavut), Starlink offers the best value for high-speed unlimited internet, despite the upfront equipment cost. The service requires a clear view of the northern sky.
| Plan | Monthly (CAD) | Equipment (CAD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Standard | $140 | $759 (one-time) | Most homes |
| Starlink Mini | $150 | $499-599 | Portable/RV use |
| Regional Roam | $170 | $759 | Within Canada |
| Global Roam | $340 | $759 | International travel |
Northern Game-Changer: For Nunavut residents paying $129/mo for 15 Mbps from traditional providers, Starlink’s $140/mo for 100-220 Mbps unlimited is exceptional value despite the equipment cost.
Qiniq (SSi Canada)
Nunavut’s Community-Focused Provider
Qiniq, operated by SSi Canada, has been providing satellite-based internet to all 25 Nunavut communities since 2005. They’ve partnered with Starlink to enhance their backbone infrastructure.
What makes Qiniq unique: no credit card required, cash payments accepted at local Community Service Providers (CSPs), and flexible pay-as-you-go options. This accessibility is crucial for communities where not everyone has traditional banking.
| Plan | Speed | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qiniq Utility | 512 Kbps | 2 GB | $20/mo |
| Mid-tier plans | 2-5 Mbps | 25-75 GB | $55-80/mo |
| Taki Pro | 5 Mbps | 100 GB | $120/mo |
Wireless
Ice Wireless
Northern Mobile & Fixed Wireless
Ice Wireless is a Canadian mobile network operator providing 4G/LTE services across all three northern territories and Nunavik, Quebec. They offer competitive mobile plans and fixed wireless internet options.
Yukon Territory
βΌThe Yukon offers the best internet connectivity among the three territories, with fibre-optic infrastructure reaching most communities. The completion of the Canada North Fibre Loop in November 2024 has significantly improved reliability.
Best Available Speed: 700 Mbps | Technology: Fibre-to-the-Home
Whitehorse residents enjoy the territory’s best internet options with full fibre availability from Northwestel. All unlimited fibre plans (50 Mbps to 700 Mbps) are available.
- Recommended for Most: Northwestel Internet 100 Unlimited ($149.95/mo)
- Budget Option: Northwestel Internet 15 ($57.95/mo, 200 GB cap)
- Heavy Users/Gamers: Northwestel Internet 500 Unlimited ($209.95/mo)
- Alternative: Starlink ($140/mo + equipment)
Providers Available: Northwestel, Starlink, Ice Wireless (mobile)
Best Available Speed: 700 Mbps | Technology: Fibre (Dempster Fibre Line)
With the completion of the 778-kilometre Dempster Fibre Line in late 2024, Dawson City now has access to the same high-speed unlimited plans as Whitehorse. This major infrastructure project connects Dawson to Inuvik, NWT, creating crucial network redundancy.
All Northwestel unlimited fibre plans available.
Fibre-Connected Communities: Carcross, Haines Junction, Mayo, Marsh Lake, Teslin, Watson Lake, Carmacks, Faro, and others
Most Yukon communities now have access to fibre-powered internet. Over 95% of Yukon homes can access unlimited high-speed internet.
Old Crow (Remote): Uses satellite-based service; speeds up to 50 Mbps with 200 GB caps ($129.95/mo). Starlink also available.
Northwest Territories
βΌThe NWT has seen dramatic improvements in internet connectivity, with the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link serving as a crucial backbone. However, several remote communities still rely on satellite service.
Best Available Speed: 1 Gbps | Technology: Fibre-to-the-Home
Yellowknife offers the NWT’s fastest internet with gigabit speeds available. Multiple providers compete in the market.
Providers: Northwestel (primary), SSi Canada (LTE), Starlink
SSi LTE Plans (Yellowknife)
| Plan | Speed | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTE Mosquito | 2 Mbps | 2 GB | $15/mo |
| LTE Ptarmigan | 5 Mbps | 25 GB | $25/mo |
| LTE Fox | 5 Mbps | 75 GB | $55/mo |
| LTE Lynx | 10 Mbps | 125 GB | $75/mo |
| LTE Bison | 10 Mbps | 250 GB | $140/mo |
| LTE Grizzly | 25 Mbps | 400 GB | $250/mo |
Best Available Speed: 700 Mbps | Technology: Fibre
Inuvik benefits from the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link and the new Dempster Fibre Line connection, creating redundancy. New North Networks operates as a local alternative provider.
New North Networks Plans
| Plan | Speed | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift 5 | 5 Mbps | 100 GB | $56/mo |
| Turbo 50 | 50 Mbps | 400 GB | $88/mo |
| Turbo 50 Unlimited | 50 Mbps | Unlimited | $128/mo |
| Turbo 200 Unlimited | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | $189/mo |
| Hyper 400 Unlimited | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | $218/mo |
The following communities have access to unlimited fibre plans up to 700 Mbps:
Hay River, Fort Smith, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Good Hope, Tulita, BehchokΗ«Μ, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Tuktoyaktuk, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, Dettah, Enterprise, Jean Marie River, Kakisa, Nahanni Butte, WhatΓ¬, Wrigley
All Northwestel unlimited plans from $129.95/mo (50 Mbps) to $219.95/mo (700 Mbps) available.
These remote communities rely on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology:
Communities: Colville Lake, GamΓ¨tΓ¬, Εutselk’e, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Sambaa K’e, Ulukhaktok, WekweΓ¨tΓ¬
| Satellite Plan | Speed | Data Cap | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSL Satellite Lite | 0.768 Mbps | 10 GB | $41.95/mo |
| DSL Satellite 2 | 2.5 Mbps | 80 GB | $64.95/mo |
| DSL Satellite 5 | 5 Mbps | 120 GB | $79.95/mo |
| DSL Satellite 15 | 15 Mbps | 200 GB | $129.00/mo |
Coming Soon: Northwestel plans to triple internet speeds in these eight communities over the next two years using LEO satellite technology.
Best Internet for Rural & Remote Communities
If you live in a fly-in community or remote area without fibre infrastructure, here are your best options ranked:
- 100-220 Mbps speeds
- Unlimited data
- 25-45ms latency
- Self-installation
Requires: Clear view of northern sky, $759 equipment cost
- Up to 15-50 Mbps (improving)
- OneWeb/Telesat technology
- Professional installation
- Backed by Bell
- Up to 5 Mbps
- No credit card required
- Local community service providers
- Pay-as-you-go available
π§ Infrastructure Updates (2024-2025)
β Canada North Fibre Loop β Completed November 2024
The 3,857-kilometre Canada North Fibre Loop is now fully operational, providing crucial redundancy for northern internet and cellular services. If one section of fibre is damaged, traffic can flow the opposite direction.
- Northwestel fibre network: 1,930 km through Whitehorse and Yellowknife
- Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link: 1,149 km from Fort Simpson to Inuvik
- Dempster Fibre Line: 778 km from Dawson City to Inuvik (newest)
Planned Nunavut Projects
- SednaLink: CanArctic Inuit Networks developing submarine fibre cable from Labrador to Iqaluit
- Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link: Proposed $1.6 billion project for hydroelectric power and fibre internet from Manitoba to Kivalliq region
- GN Submarine Cable: Government of Nunavut’s $209 million plan connecting Iqaluit via Hudson Bay to southern networks
Indigenous Ownership Transition
In 2024, Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous organizations from Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut, announced plans to acquire Northwestel from Bell Canada. Once completed, this will make Northwestel the world’s largest Indigenous-owned telecommunications company.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yellowknife offers the fastest at 1 Gbps through Northwestel. Most major centres in Yukon and NWT can access up to 700 Mbps. Nunavut is limited to 15 Mbps through traditional providers, though Starlink can deliver 100-220 Mbps.
High costs reflect the expensive infrastructure required to serve remote communities β whether through satellite capacity, laying fibre across vast wilderness, or maintaining equipment in extreme weather. Federal subsidies help offset some costs, but prices remain higher than southern Canada.
For most remote communities, yes. While the upfront equipment cost ($759) is significant, the unlimited data and speeds 10-20x faster than traditional satellite make it excellent value. It’s especially recommended for Nunavut residents and anyone in satellite-dependent communities.
Yes, in most Yukon and NWT communities connected to fibre. Northwestel’s unlimited plans range from $129.95 to $219.95/month. Starlink also offers unlimited data. In Nunavut and satellite-dependent communities, unlimited plans are generally not available through traditional providers.
Northwestel charges $4/GB for overage in most areas. This can add up quickly, so unlimited plans or Starlink are recommended for heavy users.
β Our Bottom Line
Internet in Canada’s Northern Territories has improved dramatically, especially with the completion of the Canada North Fibre Loop. Here’s the summary:
- Yukon & NWT fibre communities: Northwestel unlimited plans offer excellent value at $129.95-$219.95/mo
- Satellite-dependent communities: Starlink ($140/mo) is the game-changer β 10-20x faster than traditional satellite
- Nunavut: Consider Starlink despite equipment cost; Qiniq works for budget-conscious users
- Budget users everywhere: Northwestel capped plans start at $37.76/mo
The Indigenous acquisition of Northwestel by Sixty North Unity represents an exciting future for northern telecommunications, with communities having direct ownership in their connectivity infrastructure.
Sources: Official pricing from Northwestel (nwtel.ca), SSi Canada/Qiniq (qiniq.com), Starlink (starlink.com). Infrastructure data from Government of Yukon, Government of NWT, CRTC announcements, and Northwestel press releases. Pricing verified January 2026 via NWT Government Internet Pricing Database (fin.gov.nt.ca).
