News Releases

HIGH SPEED FIBRE OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY

Tahltan Communications – a partnership between Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and CityWest Cable and Telephone Corporation – is pleased to announce that high speed telecommunications services over fibre optics have officially arrived in Tahltan Territory.

Several anchor tenants now have fibre optics: TNDC/Tahltan Central Government, Iskut Band Office, Klappan School, Iskut Health Office, and the Stikine Regional Health Centre.  Newmont’s Red Chris and Brucejack mines and Coast Mountain Hydro have also been connected.

Additional anchor tenants (colleges, firehalls, health centres, emergency service providers), in Iskut, Dease Lake and along Highway 37 are being connected.

Connection of homes and businesses has progressed for the communities of Iskut and Dease Lake. Last mile (fibre to the home) is the final length of cabling from the nearest distribution point to a home or workplace. Every home and business in these builds will be able to receive a fibre-optic connection.

Iskut: Last mile construction began at the beginning of September. The fibre-optic customers are anticipated to be online in early 2025. Residents and businesses are encouraged to contact CityWest to discuss service plans and promotions.

Dease Lake: Last mile construction planning, permitting and preparation is underway. Construction will begin once permits are received. An update will be provided to the community closer to the build date.

“The arrival of this state-of-the-art fibre-optic network in Tahltan Territory marks a transformative milestone for Tahltan communities. By enhancing connectivity, we are not just laying cables; we are building bridges to a future where improved healthcare, safety, education and social services thrive. This critical infrastructure will not only spur economic growth but also bolster emergency response, environmental stewardship and infrastructure development, and empower Tahltans for generations to come." Todd den Engelsen, CEO of TNDC.

“The progress that we’ve made with our partners at the Tahltan Nation on this venture is truly amazing, and we’re thrilled to see more anchor tenants coming online. This new, state-of-the-art fibre-optic network sets the stage for urban-level connectivity throughout Tahltan Territory. We’re excited to see the next stages of this venture as we work towards connecting the communities of Iskut and Dease Lake.” Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest.

"Thanks to the initiative of TNDC, fibre optics will transform our community of Iskut, powering seamless and reliable virtual meetings for our staff, enhancing healthcare access for our members through telemedicine, enriching education opportunities including lifelong learning initiatives, and ensuring critical cell service along Highway 37 for the safety of all who live and travel through Tahltan Territory." Chief Marie Quock, Iskut Band.

“As the global demand for critical minerals surges, modern day mining relies more heavily on internet-based technologies to achieve safer and more productive mines. TNDC’s work to increase fibre connectivity in the region will allow us to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into our operations.” Bernard Wessels, Managing Director for Newmont North America.

"Thanks to TNDC’s leadership, fibre optics has positively impacted Coast Mountain Hydro in several ways, including paving the way for progress with cost-effective high bandwidth solutions, unlocking new technological horizons, and delivering reliability that fuels operational excellence." Matt Weber, General Manager with Coast Mountain Hydro.

Tahltan Communications is building over 200 kilometres of new fibre optic cable in unison with fibre optic strands that are part of the BC Hydro Northwest Transmission Line (NTL). This $13-million project is providing high speed fibre optic based telecommunication services to homes and the many small, medium and large industrial businesses in Tahltan Territory. 

This project has been supported through funding from the federal and provincial governments. TNDC applied for funding though the Government of Canada’s Connect to Innovate Program and British Columbia’s Connecting B.C. program. Funding for the project was announced July 2, 2019. TNDC worked on build planning and permitting, leading up to the start of construction on May 31, 2022.

ENDS