Dettah receives high-speed Internet

October 19, 2011

Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The residents of Dettah are finally getting high-speed Internet service.

NorthwesTel has announced that they've installed broadband access equipment in the community, to allow for DSL service in homes and businesses.

So, why did it take so long to get the community up and running?

The corporate communications manager for NorthwesTel, Emily Younker, said it's simply Dettah's turn.

"NorthwesTel is always working on our different communities, smaller communities, looking at remote communities - always looking to expand. And, when it's the community's time, it's the community's time. It's feasible for us; we can provide it to all of the residents."

The company built a new radio support system and antennae. Younker said it took a couple months of design, engineering and implementation to complete the project.

"When we go in and provide a service in a different community ... it's a long process, it's a well thought-out process. The infrastructure has to be put in place. The technology has to be put in place. We're just very happy that we are able to provide this in Dettah at this time."

Up until now, residents of the community have only been equipped with Turbo Sticks, which connect laptops to satellites.

Now, Younker said they'll have high-speed Internet across the board.

"High-speed Internet will be available to both business and residential homes. It will be a vast improvement for business. People will be able to connect more easily to other communities, as well as allow fast use of debit machines. So, it will make business flow more easily for business owners in Dettah."

The principal and superintendent at Dettah's Kaw Tay Whee School were not aware of the new service. Reps from the Dettah Band Office and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation were unavailable for comment.

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