About Northwestel Internet
Northwestel is a northern-focused Canadian telecommunications company that delivers broadband Internet, phone, and television services to some of the most remote communities in the country. As a subsidiary of Bell Canada, Northwestel operates in regions where traditional national ISPs typically do not reach, including Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, northern British Columbia, and parts of northern Alberta. With a mandate to connect underserved regions, Northwestel has become an essential lifeline for individuals and businesses operating in Canada’s North.
The provider plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, using a combination of fiber optic, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies to reach areas that present significant geographical and logistical challenges. Northwestel is also committed to expanding high-speed connectivity through major infrastructure investments and partnerships with Indigenous communities, local governments, and federal initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund.
Northwestel Internet Coverage Area
Northwestel’s coverage spans a vast and diverse region across Canada’s north. The company services over 96 communities, including:
- Whitehorse and Dawson City in Yukon
- Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Hay River in Northwest Territories
- Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet in Nunavut
- Fort Nelson and Dease Lake in northern British Columbia
- Remote and fly-in Indigenous communities
Given the harsh climates and isolated geographies, providing high-speed internet in these regions requires unique infrastructure models. In urban centres such as Whitehorse and Yellowknife, Northwestel delivers fibre-based services, while more remote communities may receive internet via satellite or fixed wireless access. Despite these logistical challenges, Northwestel continues to expand broadband reach with newer technologies and community-focused upgrades.
Technology Used by Northwestel
Northwestel offers services over multiple technologies, depending on the community:
- Fiber to the Home (FTTH): Available in select urban areas like Whitehorse and Yellowknife, supporting high-speed symmetrical connections.
- DSL: Common in larger towns with copper-based infrastructure.
- Fixed Wireless: Used in semi-remote communities where fiber access is not feasible.
- Satellite Internet: Deployed in fly-in only and high-arctic communities.
Installation Process
Northwestel offers professional installation for most of its internet services. Customers in fiber and DSL coverage zones typically receive in-home installation by a certified technician, which includes wiring, equipment setup, and network testing. The company ensures that all installations are conducted with minimal disruption, and appointments can be scheduled online or by phone.
In satellite or fixed wireless communities, installation includes mounting external antennas or satellite dishes, cabling, and modem/router setup. These installations can take longer due to weather conditions, but Northwestel maintains a responsive support team to assist customers throughout the process.
For businesses, Northwestel offers managed services and customized network deployment including dedicated fiber lines, backup systems, and service level agreements.
Modem and Router Rental
Northwestel includes modem and router equipment as part of its internet packages. Depending on the service type (fiber, DSL, or satellite), customers will receive the appropriate device pre-configured to work with their plan. Equipment rental fees are typically included in the monthly service price, but customers should confirm this during signup.
The modem-router combos provided support dual-band Wi-Fi and are designed for typical residential or small business needs. In larger homes or for advanced users, customers may choose to use their own routers. In such cases, Northwestel provides guidance for setting up bridge mode or connecting third-party mesh systems.
Equipment replacement and repair are covered under warranty as long as the customer maintains active service.
Northwestel Internet Speeds
Internet speeds with Northwestel vary based on location and technology:
- Fiber connections: Up to 250 Mbps download and 125 Mbps upload (in areas like Whitehorse and Yellowknife)
- DSL connections: Ranging from 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps depending on distance from the exchange
- Fixed Wireless: Usually between 10 Mbps and 25 Mbps, with some communities receiving higher speeds
- Satellite services: Download speeds up to 10 Mbps and upload speeds around 1 Mbps, with latency considerations
All plans include data usage limits, which vary based on the selected package. In recent years, Northwestel has introduced unlimited data options in fiber zones, and expanded data thresholds in satellite and DSL regions to reflect growing digital demands.
Data Usage and Management
Historically, many Northern communities faced strict data limits due to the cost of delivering connectivity. Northwestel has worked to improve these limits and now offers several plans with higher caps and some unlimited options in urban centers. Customers can monitor usage through the Northwestel portal and receive alerts when approaching their limit. Overage fees apply only to certain plans and are clearly disclosed.
Northwestel Internet Reviews
Northwestel Internet Reviews reflect a mix of experiences, largely influenced by geographic and infrastructure factors. In communities with fiber access, customers generally report strong satisfaction with speed and stability. Many users appreciate Northwestel’s local presence, with technicians who understand the northern context and weather-related challenges.
In more remote satellite-dependent areas, reviews are often more critical due to latency issues and slower speeds. However, users recognize the difficulty of deploying internet in such locations and appreciate having connectivity where none existed before. Customer service is often praised for being accessible and regionally knowledgeable, unlike national carriers with centralized support.
Read more Northwestel Internet Reviews
Northwestel vs Other ISPs
When comparing Northwestel to southern Canadian ISPs such as Bell, Rogers, Telus, or Shaw, the distinction lies in geographic reach and infrastructure type. While southern ISPs focus on high-density fiber and urban competition, Northwestel focuses on extending access where no other provider operates.
Compared to Xplore, another provider targeting rural regions, Northwestel often delivers better speeds in its fiber and DSL zones, but may be less competitive in pricing due to higher costs of northern deployment. That said, Northwestel has the advantage of local presence, which results in faster service calls and customized solutions.
In satellite-dependent areas, services like Starlink offer higher speeds and lower latency. However, Starlink requires a larger upfront hardware investment and has limited capacity in some Arctic regions. Northwestel remains the dominant provider in the Canadian North because of its infrastructure ownership and public-private partnerships.
Why Choose Northwestel Internet?
Choosing Northwestel means choosing a provider with deep expertise in northern connectivity. From the sub-zero winters of Nunavut to the mountainous terrains of Yukon, Northwestel has tailored its services to meet the unique needs of remote and Indigenous communities. The company’s long-standing presence in the North enables it to respond faster to outages, deliver region-specific solutions, and partner with local stakeholders to improve access over time.
It is an excellent choice for residents and businesses in the territories, especially in communities where no other ISP is present or reliable. Northwestel offers bilingual support, community engagement, and government-supported expansion plans that continue to raise the standard for connectivity in Canada’s North.
Conclusion
Northwestel plays a critical role in Canada’s telecom landscape by connecting regions that others cannot. With a growing range of fiber and broadband services, the company continues to push the limits of what is possible in the North. While service quality and speed vary based on location, Northwestel is a vital link to the digital economy for thousands of Canadians.
For anyone living in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or northern British Columbia, Northwestel remains the most comprehensive and regionally aware internet provider available.