Public Starlink Wi-Fi set up on N.W.T.'s Highway 5 outside Fort Smith

A new Starlink Wi-Fi access point has been established in the N.W.T. about 100 kilometres outside Fort Smith at the grader camp roadside pull-off along Highway 5. 

For travellers moving between Fort Smith and Hay River, this hotspot represents more than just internet access. It's a potential lifeline in an area where cell service and communication options are limited.

This new Wi-Fi hotspot is an initiative by Parks Canada and the N.W.T. department of Infrastructure. A spokesperson for Parks Canada said in a statement that the service is available at no charge to the public. 

The hardware, satellite installation and account was provided by Parks Canada, while the location and power was provided by the N.W.T. government.

Some residents say they believe it's long overdue. Lois Bourke said she thinks it could save lives — and with winter approaching, communication is critical on the isolated stretch of highway.

"If someone broke down or they're having car problems, that will be good," she said. "There's no communication [out there]; that's a two-to three-hour drive."

Heather Pryor, another Fort Smith resident, said she relied on Starlink during the 2023 wildfire evacuation when the community experienced a network outage. It also supported emergency response personnel.

"It is comforting to know that I can send a message or make a Wi-Fi call if necessary," she said. "If there were an accident or other emergency, one would solely rely on someone to stop and hopefully have a satellite phone."

Pryor said Highway 5, like other stretches of highway in the N.W.T., is a long drive with no communication options. She said she would even like to see more Wi-Fi checkpoints available along isolated highways in the north.

Veteran truck driver Kelly Brown agrees. He's been travelling isolated highways in the north for nearly three decades. He said Starlink checkpoints would offer peace of mind to drivers.

"I'm normally on the Alaska Highway and the North Klondike. They have 911 emergency spots set up where you can [make calls] just for emergency purposes. That's it," he said.

Brown has also spent several years driving the Dempster Highway for work — a road known for its rugged conditions. But unlike other highways, Brown says the Dempster doesn't have cell service or 911 call boxes.

"We need better communication for sure. Starlink would help. Communication is important. We need something reliable, especially when you're out there in the middle of nowhere," he said.

Travellers can find password information for Highway 5's Starlink satellite on the grader shed where the dish is installed.

Conor Holick, the senior communications officer for the N.W.T.'s department of Infrastructure, sent CBC a written statement from the department that said the Highway 5 hotspot is currently the only publicly accessible Starlink unit along the territory's highways, though they are open to exploring other potential locations, depending on power availability and accessibility.

Holick added signage will soon alert drivers to the service, which officially went live on Oct. 23. Travellers can access the service with the network password "highway5," and will need to be close to the shed to connect.

"This infrastructure is beneficial for drivers because it provides a reliable communication option in areas where traditional cellular service is unavailable, increasing safety networks," Holick wrote.