The Government of Yukon is pleased that Xplore, formerly Xplornet, has extended satellite services to the Yukon into 2023.
These services are critical for Yukoners living in rural locations and the Yukon government advocated on behalf of Yukoners to have services remain available until the end of September 2023.
While Xplore will be available for longer than anticipated, Yukoners will need to switch to a new provider after September 30, 2023.
Starlink, a new satellite internet service, is optimistic that they will be able to offer services in the first half of 2023. It is recommended that Yukoners who wish to use this service contact Starlink as soon as possible, to ensure they are eligible for the service.
I am happy to see that Yukoners will have extended access to satellite service through Xplore into 2023. Ensuring that Yukoners have access to internet services is vital and our government advocated with our federal counterparts to ensure this internet service remains available until a new provider can offer services.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke
The responsibility of managing and regulating satellite services is a federal jurisdiction.
Starlink’s new satellites will significantly improve internet speeds, giving rural Yukoners access to more reliable internet services and better-quality video and phone calls.
Xplore first announced that they would end services in December 2020. Subsequent negotiations between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada and Xplore led to an initial extension until December 2022, and a second extension into 2023.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Kalah Klassen
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3595
kalah.klassen@yukon.ca