INUVIK - The Government of the Northwest Territories is spending $75,000 looking into the feasibility of running a fibre optics line from south of the Northwest Territories to Inuvik.

A fibre optic line running up the NWT could create a whole new industry of satellite construction and maintenance in Inuvik, says Mayor Denny Rodgers. Pictured here is the satellite receiver at the Upper Air site in Inuvik. - NNSL file photo

The study will determine the cost and fiscal implications of the line, environmental regulations and requirements, engineering considerations and fiscal implications of the project.

The prospect of the communications line is welcomed by Inuvik Mayor Danny Rodgers. Inuvik and other communities in the Beaufort Delta region rely on satellite Internet connections with limited bandwidth.

"Obviously things would be made easier with a faster link," says Rodgers. "While they can move data with the system in place, it is slow."

He says a fibre optics line could open up business opportunities for the community, especially as it relates to development and maintenance of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility. He looks to what has been done with similar stations in Norway and Sweden as an example for Inuvik.

"The construction potential is here to put up to 20 [satellite] dishes here, and we have had calls from people in Sweden and other places overseas saying they are chomping at the bit to bring business here once the line is ready," says Rodgers. "That could be a whole new industry for us here, setting up and maintaining the station."

The link would enhance program delivery in areas including tele-health, on-line learning, e-commerce, geological data tracking and help diversify the economy in the communities of the Beaufort-Delta.

Tom Zubko, president and chief executive officer of Ice Wireless in Inuvik, is excited about what the project could mean for the Beaufort Delta and the satellite station.

"It's important to understand that for the satellite station to grow to its potential, there must be a world-class communications structure in place that is multiples of times better than what we have now," says Zubko.

He says a fibre optics line would reduce Internet bills for customers, but is more concerned with increasing bandwidth for the area.

"Right now the bandwidth is not there. From a social point of view, kids want connectivity and if they can't get it they will leave. We want them to stay and help grow our economy," says Zubko.

The feasibility study was started at the beginning of January and is expected to be completed by mid May.

"These are just first steps," says Margaret Melhorn, deputy minister of finance for the GNWT. "I want to wait for what the study shows, but we are always looking for potential ways to increase the economic potential of the NWT. This will help people up and down the valley."

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