Inuvik set to become the second Fibre-to-the-home community in the North

July 7, 2020

Inuvik, NT – Northwestel is expanding its best network technology to Inuvik, Northwest Territories (NT) by installing new Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) service throughout most of the community.  This will make Inuvik Northwestel’s second Fibre-to-the-home community in the North, following the launch of FTTH in Hay River, NT, earlier this year.

Fibre-to-the-home technology will allow Northwestel to significantly improve internet speeds, reliability, and data allowances for Inuvik customers.

“Northwestel is making significant upgrades to our telecommunications network in Inuvik.  We will be replacing aging copper wiring to people’s homes with fibre,” says Northwestel President Curtis Shaw.  “This is a milestone achievement.  With these upgrades we will be able to launch Canada’s first full Fibre-to-the-home community in the Arctic Circle.”

Fibre-to-the-home construction

Over the coming months, Northwestel and project partner Valard Construction will be working in Inuvik to replace existing network equipment and connect new fibre-optic lines directly to the outside of people’s homes.  The construction team will gain all appropriate consents from the homeowner or residents to access the outside of the property and will leave all properties just as they found them.

Personnel will be following strict COVID-19 protocols during construction, working from a safety plan approved by PROTECT NWT.

Northwestel’s goal is to bring fibre to every home within the town limits of Inuvik – regardless of whether the household is a current Northwestel customer or not.  There is no charge to residents for the work, and there is no obligation whatsoever to purchase or upgrade a Northwestel service.  The company encourages all residents to allow for the fibre installation, even if just to provide options in the future.

More details about the project and information for Inuvik residents can be found at nwtel.ca/InuvikFibre.

NT4