Bringing Modern Banking to Pikangikum

Blog

How RBC Leveraged FSET’s Starlink Installation in This First Nation Community

For many remote communities in Canada, a gap in digital equity hinders progress in nearly every aspect of life. As a large-scale Starlink installer, FSET is passionate about equipping remote and indigenous communities to upgrade everything from public safety and municipal services to education, commerce, healthcare, and more through SpaceX’s unique high-speed broadband solution. The immediate results are extremely gratifying, and seeing the long-term evolution is even more rewarding. In Pikangikum, an Ojibwe First Nation community in Northwestern Ontario, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) saw the switch to Starlink as an opportunity to make its financial services more streamlined and accessible to Pikangikum residents than ever before. 

Prior to FSET’s Starlink initiative in Pikangikum, opening a bank account there was a cumbersome process. RBC teams had to physically travel to the community, complete paper applications with customers, return to their branches to process the paperwork, and then send the necessary materials back through the mail. The dial-up internet previously available in Pikangikum simply couldn’t support the communication and documentation due to a lack of bandwidth. Long waits and limited access were the norm. 

High-speed internet changed everything. With Starlink infrastructure and ample bandwidth in place throughout Pikangikum, RBC envisioned and transitioned to a more digitized approach for real-time account openings. Starlink’s bandwidth supports remote identification, verification, videoconferencing, and electronic forms, enabling a seamless and efficient process. 

During a two-day account opening event, RBC staff visiting Pikangikum communicated through video calls to branch teams. This setup allowed residents to open accounts, create PINs, and access online banking immediately. On the first day alone, 100 people showed up, followed by 125 on the second day. Each new customer completed the process in about 15 minutes, witnessing their selected financial products become available right before their eyes rather than having to wait for weeks. Access to online banking also means residents no longer have to rely on cash or checks for everyday transactions. 

Going forward, Pikangikum’s Starlink connection enables RBC to deliver banking services remotely, ensuring continuous access between in-person events. The ability to meet virtually with the band council and chief further strengthens the relationship between the bank and the community leadership, building trust and collaboration. 

RBC’s success in Pikangikum sets an important precedent for other remote communities. The long-term benefits include greater economic participation, improved financial literacy, and a stronger connection to the broader economy. Most importantly, digital equity creates a sense of empowerment and belonging, showing that even the most remote communities can receive the same conveniences, services, and opportunities as larger cities. Read more of FSET’s inspiring Starlink community stories

Share

You may also like

Back to top