Construction of the 778-kilometre Dempster fibre optic line is complete, the Yukon government stated on Sept. 13.
The federal government supported the project financially through two programs contributing nearly $60 million. Combined with the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line, the new connection will close the Canada North Fibre Loop and provide service redundancies for the 4,000-kilometre network, which is intended to ensure month-long internet and cellular phone outages in the Beaufort Delta because of wildfires elsewhere do not remain an issue.
Now that construction is complete, the line will be taken over by Northwestel to begin commissioning the infrastructure. It's anticipated the line will come online in December of this year.
"The Dempster Fibre Line demonstrates our governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment to advancing telecommunications in the North," said federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser. "Once commissioned, it will not only boost the YukonSA国际影视传媒檚 digital ecosystem and connectivity but also provide a crucial second redundant route for internet service, helping protect against disruptions like those faced this summer.
"This project showcases the hard work and expertise of all those involved, as well as the essential collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous groups along the route," Fraser added. "Our government is grateful for the dedicated work undertaken by ROHL Global Networks, Northwestel and all the people who contributed to making the Dempster Fibre Line a reality."
