Barrie 
The Ontario government has announced a partnership with Starlink to launch the Ontario Satellite Internet (ONSAT) program, aimed at delivering high-speed satellite internet to 15,000 underserved homes and businesses across the province, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Credit: Evgeny Opanasenko/ Unsplash
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, was selected after a competitive process, which began with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in August 2023 and concluded with a Request for Proposals (RFP) in May 2024 to provide high-speed satellite internet where fibre or fixed wireless options aren’t feasible.
Starlink, operating in low-Earth orbit, will provide a 50/10 Mbps connection capable of supporting activities like streaming and online gaming.
The ONSAT program represents Ontario’s commitment to expanding internet access, part of a $4 billion provincial investment to connect all communities by the end of 2025, marking the largest single investment in high-speed internet by any Canadian province.
As part of the ONSAT contract, Starlink is tasked with direct engagement with Indigenous communities in Ontario. This includes ensuring eligible Indigenous households and businesses have equal access to the service and providing socio-economic opportunities such as employment, contracting, and training.
Per the news release, Ontario has invested approximately $2.5 billion in over 270 connectivity projects, connecting over 100,000 homes and businesses, with plans to reach an additional 450,000 premises by the end of 2025.
The service is expected to go live in June 2025, with registration details for eligible households and businesses to be made available in Spring 2025.
