Nunatsiaq News.com

Internet Access to the Nunavet

One of the big disadvantages in living away from the urbas sprawl in the patchy state of internet access.  It’s ironic really because people in remote regions of places like Nunavet and across Alaska have probably the most to benefit from internet access.  For a start they are a vital link to the outside world especially for those who are not able to travel very far.  Keeping in touch with friends and neighbours using the internet may sound a non-essential luxury but for people living alone it’s a vital support mechanism.

Hi Speed internet access also brings a host of options and opportunities to people.  For instance if you have a decent internet connection and a computer then there is nothing to stop you setting up a thriving online business online.  A chance to create your own income and wealth generated from anywhere in the world.  The money created will inevitably be spent in the local economy too so everyone benefits.  There are internet entrepreneurs dotted all across Alaska, making a decent living in the virtual world to finance their Alaskan life.

There’s much more of course, the internet has huge entertainment value and you can access resources all across the globe.  In fact if you invest in a simple proxy or VPN service you can get access to even more.  For example did you know that using a UK proxy, you can watch virtually everything on the BBC – there’s a post that explains all here - http://www.theninjaproxy.org/tv/how-to-use-a-bbc-iplayer-proxy/, it’s relatively simple to gain a UK IP address.

So it’s got to be good news when you hear about more companies investing in the infrastructure we need to access the internet.  Many across the regions are still struggling with either non-existent or basic dial up access.  A company called Juch Tech have however vowed to deliver access to remote areas like Iqaliut in Nanuvet.  Even better they are teaming up with a local Inuit owned company in order to deliver these services.  The intention is to bring high speed internet access and 3G phone coverage to the local population of about 800 residents. We wish them all success as it would be a huge boost to the area.