The Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Photo: Benson Kua, Creative Commons license

The government of Ontario has selected SpaceX’s Starlink service as the internet provider for a new program to expand internet access in rural and remote communities. 

The Canadian province announced on Nov. 14 that Starlink will offer high-speed satellite internet access to 15,000 eligible unserved and underserved homes and businesses through the Ontario Satellite Internet (ONSAT) program. Starlink will now begin program implementation, and the services will be made available by June 2025. 

Under the contract, Ontario will provide up to $92 million Canadian dollars ($65 million) to reserve Starlink capacity for Ontario and cover hardware and installation costs, and a plan to engage Indigenous communities, Ash Milton, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, said in a statement to Via Satellite. 

Those who choose to connect will pay a fee for the service and participating premises will pay up to a maximum of CA$150 ($107) per month for satellite service, Milton said. 

Starlink won the contract over Canadian internet service provider Xplore Inc. 

The ONSAT program is part of Ontario’s Accelerated High-Speed Internet Program, a nearly $4 billion investment to bring reliable high-speed internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025.

“Our government is pleased to work with Starlink to offer a highly advanced satellite internet service that will help people living and working in the hardest to reach areas of the province access high-speed internet,” commented Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure.

Milton said in a statement that a key priority of the broadband program is to engage with Indigenous people and communities, and gather input on how to bring high-speed internet to their communities. 

“As part of the partnership with the province, Starlink will directly engage with Indigenous communities to ensure all eligible households and businesses within these communities have equal access to the program. Additionally, Starlink will support socio-economic development within these communities by offering employment, contracting, and training opportunities where feasible, Milton said.