Satellite Dish & Wireless Antenna, Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

Nunavut Broadband Progress

Nunavut Broadband Development’s Corporation’s (NBDC) objective is to ensure every Nunavut resident has access to affordable broadband services delivered by the private sector. As a not-for-profit corporation, NBDC has initiated the development of one of the most advanced broadband and Internet networks in the world.

SSI Micro, a Yellowknife-based company won the competitive RFP issued by NBDC in 2003. They subsequently built and operate the QINIQ Network.

The QINIQ Network – Infrastructure and Applications

The QINIQ network was launched in 2005 as NBDC’s first broadband project. It consists of tangible assets such as satellite dishes as well as applications that use the infrastructure. QINIQ serves all 25 Nunavut communities, and has 4,000 subscribers – half of all households. To find out more about the QINIQ network, or to subscribe,visit www.qiniq.com.

Support by Community Service Providers (CSP)

Every Nunavut community has a trained CSP to provide local support and assist in administration. 20% of the QINIQ customer revenue is allocated to the CSPs. Eighteen of the 21 CSP companies involved are Inuit-owned.

Funding for the QINIQ Network and NBDC activities

NBDC has conducted R & D in a wide range of applications and processes, as well as capacity building training for CSPs. The chart below shows the source of investment for both the QINIQ network and NBDC’s work from 2003 to 2008.

The immense success of the QINIQ network, the need for continued advocacy for broadband services to residents, and increasing financial responsibility means NBDC must increase its own capacity. NBDC will continue to develop the broadband sector in Nunavut for the benefit of residents and the economy, and are working to increase NBDC’s capacity to help the broadband sector evolve.