Northwestel: Connecting Canada’s North with Reliable Internet and Communication Services
Northwestel stands out as the primary telecommunications provider for Canada’s vast northern region. Spanning remote territories and isolated communities, the company delivers reliable internet, phone, and television services where most other carriers cannot. Northwestel’s role in bridging the digital divide is not just technological—it is a matter of community development and inclusivity.
Unmatched Coverage in the North
Northwestel’s network footprint includes the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, northern British Columbia, and parts of Alberta. These are some of the most challenging regions for internet infrastructure, often defined by rough terrain, extreme weather, and long distances between communities. Despite these hurdles, Northwestel has built a robust communications network that includes fibre-optic cables, satellite services, microwave transmission, and copper DSL. In several larger communities like Whitehorse and Yellowknife, residents can now access fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services, delivering speeds that rival those in urban centres further south.
Installation and Setup
Getting connected with Northwestel typically involves an on-site installation by one of their trained technicians, especially in areas where advanced infrastructure such as fibre is available. The company provides detailed coordination to schedule installation in remote or fly-in-only communities. Basic installations are often free or come at a modest cost, depending on the chosen service tier. Equipment such as modems and routers is typically included or available for a small monthly rental fee. For satellite internet, a specialized installation is required, which may involve a one-time equipment fee and additional scheduling.
Internet Speeds and Service Options
Northwestel offers a variety of residential internet plans, including fibre, DSL, and satellite options. Speeds can range from 5 Mbps in extremely remote areas using satellite service to up to 250 Mbps for fibre-connected households in communities like Whitehorse, Hay River, and Fort Nelson. The availability of each service type is location-dependent, but the company has made significant investments to expand its FTTH and next-gen satellite coverage over recent years.
While some plans do have data limits, many now include significantly higher caps or unlimited usage in FTTH-enabled areas. Northwestel’s focus remains on upgrading more communities to faster and more flexible connections to meet growing digital demands for streaming, remote work, gaming, and education.
Modem and Router Rentals
Northwestel provides customers with modems and routers either through rental or purchase. Standard modem-router combos are available for a monthly rental fee, and customers can also opt to use their own compatible hardware if desired. Rental equipment is pre-configured and supported by Northwestel’s technical team, offering plug-and-play convenience and assistance in troubleshooting when needed. For households on fibre internet, advanced wireless gateways are available to ensure top-tier in-home connectivity and Wi-Fi performance.
Bundled Services and TV Options
Beyond internet, Northwestel offers bundled packages that include digital television and home phone services. TV packages include a variety of channels, with options for add-ons like sports networks, movie channels, and specialty programming. Customers can use Northwestel’s set-top boxes or integrate their service with existing smart TVs. Phone services include traditional landline and VoIP options, with competitive long-distance packages across Canada and internationally.
Bundling services not only simplifies billing but also provides cost savings for multi-service households. Business customers also have access to tailored bundles that include managed internet services, cloud storage, and custom networking solutions designed for northern business operations.
Commitment to Northern Communities
What truly sets Northwestel apart is its deep-rooted presence and investment in the North. The company supports community events, local organizations, and youth initiatives across the regions it serves. It is a major employer in many of these communities, and its operations are built around supporting Northern growth and sustainability. Northwestel has consistently collaborated with territorial governments, Indigenous organizations, and local councils to expand broadband access and modernize infrastructure.
The company has also participated in national and territorial broadband funding programs to deploy more fibre-optic infrastructure and expand connectivity. Projects such as the Yukon Fibre Project and the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link are part of its long-term mission to bring world-class internet to every corner of the North.
Why Northwestel Remains a Trusted Northern ISP
Northwestel’s extensive experience operating in unique geographical conditions, paired with a community-first approach, makes it more than just an ISP. It is a digital enabler for education, healthcare, remote work, and business continuity across the North. While pricing may be higher compared to southern providers, the cost reflects the logistical and technological efforts required to deliver service in these regions.
Its reliability in extreme weather, responsive local customer service, and proactive infrastructure development make it the undisputed leader in Northern connectivity. For residents and businesses in Canada’s most remote areas, Northwestel is not just an option—it is a lifeline.
