In December 2020, FSET installed satellite services for the first SpaceX Starlink client in Canada, Pikangikum First Nation, a fly-in community in Northern Ontario. Having reliable, high-speed connectivity has already changed the community’s education, healthcare and social services. Pikangikum First Nation and SpaceX partnered to bring Starlink Internet to the community and with it, an improved quality of life.
More News about the Pikangikum First Nation:
Toronto Star – December 5, 2020 |
How Elon Musk’s internet service may finally unlock this northern Canadian community’s isolation
A brighter future for residents of remote Pikangikum First Nation could be found amongst the stars.
For too many years, Pikangikum, 225 kilometres north of Kenora, has dealt with interlopers — boil water advisories, advancing wildfires forcing evacuation and the grief of young lives lost to suicide.
Now, in the midst of a pandemic, it is making history, unlocking the isolation in which it has lived and connecting with the rest of the world.
The fly-in community is the first in Canada to be linked to the internet by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, potentially opening a gateway to improved educational opportunities, a streamlined and more equitable justice system, and improved physical and mental health treatment.
Business Insider – Dec 19, 2020, 7:00 AM – By Kate Duffy
How SpaceX teamed up with a small Canadian IT company to bring its Starlink internet service to an indigenous community
SpaceX’s first Starlink customer in Canada being a remote indigenous community is probably not what you were expecting.
Pikangikum First Nation, based in north-western Ontario, was connected to Elon Musk’s satellite-internet system on December 2 with the help of SpaceX and information and technology services company, FSET.
Despite being surrounded by lakes, forests and nature, Pikangikum has struggled with high suicide rates among younger people over the years. With very limited internet service, children weren’t able to receive higher education or counselling.
Since Starlink was installed, the 3,000-person community has been able to access everything from healthcare services, to education and businesses. It’s fair to say it’s changed their lives.
General Assembly – Interview with Joshua Doner/em>
Discussion regarding the Pikangikum First Nation and all things Starlink
