Quebec, once an early adopter of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, is now considering alternative options to reduce its reliance on the Elon Musk-owned provider. As trade tensions between Canada and the United States escalate, Quebec officials are exploring a shift toward domestic solutions to ensure long-term connectivity sovereignty.
Quebec’s Early Adoption
Quebec became the first in Canada to leverage Starlink to bridge the digital divide in remote areas, striking a deal years ahead of other provinces like Ontario. The service provided a vital lifeline to thousands of rural households where fibre optic installation was either too costly or logistically impractical. However, with the province having invested nearly $1 billion in expanding its fibre optic infrastructure, government officials are now reassessing the long-term role of satellite internet in their connectivity strategy.
Gilles Bélanger, the parliamentary assistant in charge of high-speed internet and special connectivity projects, stated that Quebec is actively working with the federal government to develop a Canadian alternative. “We’re in the process of looking at a sovereign option. Canada has the expertise—we build satellites, we have skilled engineers, and we have a strong aerospace industry,” Bélanger explained to the Montreal Gazette.
However, the biggest missing piece of the puzzle is how to get those satellites into space, as Canada does not have a reliable launch option. Instead, the province would likely have to partner with SpaceX and rely on its Falcon 9 program.
Political and Economic Considerations
The timing of Quebec’s potential move away from Starlink coincides with a broader trade dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, prompting Ontario Premier Doug Ford to cancel, and the un-cancel, his province’s $100-million contract with Starlink in protest. Quebec Premier François Legault has taken a more measured approach, arguing that terminating the Starlink deal would invite costly legal battles and disrupt services for thousands of rural residents.
Despite this, the province is carefully evaluating its next steps. With the current three-year agreement with Starlink set to expire in June, Quebec must decide whether to extend its subsidies for the service or reallocate remaining funds toward alternative solutions. The contract, valued at $130 million, has not been fully spent, providing the government some financial flexibility.
