The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has announced $53.4 million to help expand Nunavik’s proposed fibre optic network to five additional communities, according to Nunatsiaq News.

Last Friday, the CRTC approved the regional government’s applications for funding for two projects, extending a new undersea fibre network north from Puvirnituq to Akulivik, Ivujivik, Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, and building a terrestrial fibre network from the Naskapi nation of Kawawachickamach to Kuujjuaq, in place of microwave towers.

The Kativik government called the money “a crucial step” towards bringing much-needed bandwidth capacity to the region.