Why Starlink Means More Than Just Internet
Fast, reliable internet is a cornerstone of modern infrastructure. Yet, many of Canada’s rural and indigenous communities lack broadband access. FSET is changing that narrative with Starlink installations across the country, including in some of Canada’s farthest corners.
Starlink provides high-speed broadband from satellites orbiting the Earth, overcoming the limitations of fibre optics. When SpaceX first launched the product, we contacted them directly to discuss implementing it, not necessarily from home to home, but on a larger scale that truly transforms the way of life for entire communities and regions. Reliable internet enhances everything, including:
Public Safety
High-speed internet enables emergency responders and law enforcement officers to serve and protect the public in real time. For example, the Nunavik Police Service, located in one of Canada’s most isolated areas in Northern Quebec, has significantly enhanced its operations with FSET’s implementation of Starlink at NPS detachments throughout Nunavik. The technology enables officers to communicate effectively over vast distances, improving their response times and allowing the NPS to focus on its community policing approach. The enhanced connectivity facilitates quicker data retrieval and information sharing, which are crucial for timely interventions and building trust within the community.
Healthcare
High-speed connectivity is the backbone of telemedicine. During the pandemic, the ability to connect with healthcare professionals virtually became not just beneficial, but essential. In places like Pikangikum, an Ojibwe First Nation community in Northwestern Ontario, FSET’s rollout of Starlink made a huge difference in healthcare access, right when it was needed most. Residents could talk to doctors and manage prescriptions online rather than risk going out. The shift may have initially seemed like a temporary solution during a time of crisis, but telemedicine has proven its place as a practical and readily accessible component of healthcare in the digital age.
Government
Municipalities themselves need high-speed internet access to efficiently coordinate between departments, manage public records online, and ensure timely service delivery to their communities. The ability to access and share information rapidly allows for better disaster management and emergency response strategies as well. With Starlink, community officials in remote areas can begin to digitize their infrastructure with the same foundational capability as large cities. High-speed internet improves operational efficiency, which in turn strengthens trust and engagement in the community.
Education
In Northern Ontario’s Grassy Narrows First Nation, the deployment of Starlink by FSET is a prime example of how high-speed internet can empower the next generations in remote communities. With this new connectivity, schools in Grassy Narrows have been able to access a wider range of online learning resources, facilitate virtual classes, and offer students interactive learning experiences that were once hindered by inadequate internet speeds. Teachers are now able to improve their techniques through online professional development and deliver more personalized education to their students. Education remains uninterrupted, even during disruptions like severe weather and the recent pandemic.
Commerce
You might not realize it, but commerce today relies on the internet, too, from point-of-sale systems to QR codes to delivery services. Retailers need high-speed access to efficiently manage inventory, process transactions online, and provide a high level of customer service. Technology also allows local businesses to tap into wider markets through online sales, enhancing their growth potential and economic stability.
Moreover, digital connectivity ensures that financial transactions are more secure and streamlined. In Pikangikum, for example, Royal Bank of Canada was able to open hundreds of checking accounts for residents, with bank reps on-site and at headquarters videoconferencing to exchange information during the account setup process. The newly installed Starlink made it possible from the Pikangikum side, turning what was once a weeks-long, travel-intensive process into just two days on site. Starlink enables the community to use the bank, and the bank to serve the community.
Access
At its core, Starlink isn’t just a kit; it’s a gateway. It enables access to all the above and so much more. SpaceX’s innovative satellite technology opens up high-speed internet connections to the most remote areas, breaking down the digital divide and equipping communities to adapt, evolve, and grow. Learn more about FSET’s Starlink installation services for remote communities and public services across Canada.
