Yukon Government Awards $32 Million Contract to Complete 800-Kilometer Dempster Fiber Link

WHITEHORSE, YT — The Government of Yukon announced the award of a $32 million final phase engineering contract to complete testing, splicing, and terminal facility commissioning on the 800-kilometer Dempster Fibre Line connecting Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

Creating a Resilient Arctic Telecommunications Ring

The Dempster Fibre project creates an 800-kilometer continuous terrestrial fiber-optic loop through the Arctic, connecting the Yukon telecommunications grid with the Mackenzie Valley fibre network. The redundant loop permanently eliminates territorial telecommunications blackouts caused by forest fire and permafrost line cuts along the Alaska Highway, securing uninterrupted internet, cell service, 911 emergency dispatch, and banking for 45,000 northern residents.

Premier Ranj Pillai stated that the Dempster Fibre Line is a nation-building infrastructure milestone that guarantees digital sovereignty and reliable connectivity for Arctic communities.

Indigenous Contracting and Territorial Cooperation

First Nations joint-venture construction partnerships executed over 60% of the fiber cable burial alongside the Dempster Highway.

Northwest Territories leaders commended the inter-territorial collaboration, linking northern hospital health records across territorial borders.

Commercial Activation Schedule

Commercial telecom carrier traffic will begin routing through the Dempster Fibre Line in November 2026.