Northwestel has signed a multi-year contract with Telesat (NASDAQ: TSAT) for Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit satellite services to provide broadband connectivity to Northern Canada communities.

The agreement allows Northwestel to leverage the LEO network to deliver broadband services with speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload with unlimited monthly usage. The company will use the Government of Canada's Telesat Lightspeed capacity pool to support the service.

Northwestel currently serves 97 communities across Canada through fiber and satellite technologies. The Telesat Lightspeed network will serve as backhaul infrastructure for remote communities where fiber is not available.

"Northwestel's leadership and vision for Northern connectivity, combined with the advanced Canadian Telesat Lightspeed LEO network, represents a powerful partnership to deliver high performing Northern broadband networks," said Michèle Beck, Telesat's Senior Vice President of Canadian Sales.

Tammy April, Vice President of Strategic Growth at Northwestel, said the agreement reflects the company's commitment to Canadian innovation. "By partnering with Telesat and leveraging their advanced LEO network, we are investing in domestic technology that strengthens Northern connectivity, supports sovereignty, and delivers reliable broadband where it matters most."

Northwestel operates as the largest telecommunications provider in Canada's North, serving communities across Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Alberta. The company reports that over 95% of homes in Yukon and Northwest Territories have access to fiber-powered internet through its network infrastructure.

Telesat operates as a satellite communications company with operations in both traditional geostationary and LEO satellite services. The information was provided in a company press release statement.