Canada’s federal government is planning on using satellites to bring broadband internet access to Canada’s rural and remote communities.
According to an April 11th, 2018 media release, the federal government has invested “nearly” $11.5 million CAD in Montreal-based Advantech Satellite Networks, which will be tasked with developing an “advanced satellite broadband network that will improve the performance of satellite communication systems.”
The funding is part of the government’s Strategic Innovation Fund. The government estimates that the total value of the project is roughly $29 million.
“We are extremely honoured and excited that our High Throughput Satellite System [HTSS] project was awarded this contribution from Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund,” said David Gelerman, president and CEO of Advantech, in the same April media release.
“HTSS is an important piece of the overall telecommunications infrastructure and plays a major role in producing visible and concrete outcomes for areas without access to high-speed Internet.”
The project is expected to develop next-generation terminals and hubs for higher-capacity broadband networks.
“Advantech’s satellite project will help strengthen our country’s leadership in space satellite technology while improving Canadians’ access to broadband Internet in all parts of the country,” said David Lametti, Parliamentary secretary to the minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), in the same April media release. “This project is an excellent example of home-grown ideas that help Canadians fully participate in the digital economy.”
Today’s announcement reflects the federal government’s desire to invest in satellite spending to improve broadband internet access.
The government tabled its 2018 budget in February 2018, with a specific provision aimed at investing $100 million over the next five years for next-gen rural broadband delivered through low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Source: ISED
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