Quebec contemplating departure from Starlink due to tariff disagreement
In the midst of escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States, Quebec's government is carefully evaluating its next steps regarding the Starlink satellite internet service and potential alternatives.
Quebec was the first province in Canada to adopt Starlink, providing a vital lifeline to thousands of rural households. The current three-year agreement between Quebec and Starlink expires in June, and the $130 million contract, which has not been fully spent, offers the government financial flexibility.
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. This has led Quebec to consider partnering with SpaceX and relying on its Falcon 9 program to launch satellites.
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. The provincial government is also exploring the possibility of partnering with the domestic company Telesat to reduce dependency on Elon Musk's company.
Quebec officials are reassessing the long-term role of satellite internet in their connectivity strategy. They are keen on ensuring long-term connectivity sovereignty due to the escalating trade tensions. This shift toward domestic solutions is not a new development, as Quebec has invested nearly $1 billion in expanding its fibre optic infrastructure.
Quebec Premier François Legault is cautious about terminating the Starlink deal due to potential costly legal battles and disruption of services for thousands of rural residents. The U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford initially cancelled, and then un-cancelled, his province's $100-million contract with Starlink in protest.
Canada, with its expertise in building satellites and a strong aerospace industry, has the potential to develop its own solutions. However, the question remains whether Quebec will extend subsidies for Starlink or reallocate remaining funds towards alternative solutions.
As the trade dispute between Canada and the United States continues, Quebec's decision to explore domestic alternatives could mark a significant shift in the country's connectivity strategy. The province will need to carefully weigh the benefits of continued partnership with Starlink against the potential advantages of a more sovereign, domestic solution.
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