In a major initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide, the Ontario government has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to provide high-speed internet to rural, remote, and northern communities across the province. This $100 million agreement is part of the larger Ontario Satellite Internet (ONSAT) program, which is a component of the province’s nearly $4 billion investment to connect every community in Ontario with high-speed internet.
Expanding Access Across the North
By June 2025, 15,000 homes and businesses will have access to this transformative technology. Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma, emphasized the impact of this initiative at a recent news conference in Sudbury, highlighting that the province will cover the equipment and installation costs, making the service more accessible for eligible households. Starlink’s residential service plans start at $140 per month, while business plans are available for $185 per month.
Competitive Selection and Community Engagement
Michael Lindsay, CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, noted that Starlink was selected through a competitive procurement process. A significant part of this agreement requires SpaceX to engage directly with Indigenous communities, ensuring that they have equal access to the ONSAT program and benefit from potential socioeconomic opportunities, such as employment and training.
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Cutting-Edge Satellite Technology
Joel Cherkis, Starlink’s senior business operations manager, explained that Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, operating at around 550 kilometers above the Earth, offer high-speed internet with minimal lag time. This lower latency is crucial for applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and streaming. In contrast, traditional satellite providers operate satellites at around 35,000 kilometers, resulting in more significant delays.
Starlink has grown rapidly, serving over four million customers across 100 countries, and continues to expand its network with weekly satellite launches.
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This partnership represents a significant step in Ontario’s commitment to providing reliable, high-speed internet across the province, promoting economic growth and digital inclusivity in underserved regions.
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