Quebec secures a new Starlink agreement, with no known viable alternative available
In the ongoing trade standoff between Canada and the United States, Quebec has chosen to stick with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service for providing high-speed internet to rural courthouses, despite the cancellation of similar contracts in other provinces.
As of 2025, Quebec's relationship with SpaceX regarding the Starlink satellite internet service in remote regions appears to be inactive or cancelled, similar to Ontario's situation. While Ontario officially cancelled a $100 million Starlink contract citing escalating US-Canada trade tensions and tariffs, Quebec has reportedly followed suit in ending their Starlink agreements due to similar concerns.
However, this does not mean that Quebec is completely cutting ties with SpaceX. The Circuit Court in Quebec requires a technology equivalent to Starlink for high-performance, consistent service in remote areas. In a recent development, Quebec has awarded a new $826,007 contract to SpaceX for Starlink satellite internet service in courthouses located in remote regions.
The decision by Quebec to move forward with a new Starlink contract comes amidst the ongoing trade tensions. Canada is facing heightened trade tensions with the United States due to U.S. tariffs on a wide range of products and raw materials. These tensions have led some provinces to rethink their business relationships with U.S.-based companies, including SpaceX and Tesla.
Broader Canadian access to satellite-based connectivity is progressing through partnerships involving SpaceX's Starlink. For instance, Rogers Communications is deploying a satellite-to-mobile text service across Canada, leveraging Starlink satellites to enable connectivity in remote areas. This suggests that while Quebec may not have a direct contract for widespread Starlink internet deployment, residents still gain indirect benefits from regional collaborations involving Starlink infrastructure.
The Montreal Gazette was informed about these details by Cathy Chenard, Quebec Justice Department spokesperson. She stated that no satisfactory alternative exists currently, highlighting the lack of viable alternatives to SpaceX's satellite internet solution as the reason for their decision. The government of Quebec is actively seeking alternatives, but none meet the technical requirements for consistent service in remote areas.
Quebec's relationship with Starlink predates the current tariff situation. Previously, Quebec had invested approximately $130 million in a Starlink-led project to expand high-speed internet access to households in remote communities. Despite the cancellation of the large-scale contract, the government seems to be committed to addressing the connectivity challenges in rural and Indigenous communities in Quebec, with Starlink satellite internet service being considered as a potential solution.
In summary, while Quebec has cancelled or paused direct Starlink contracts influenced by trade tensions, they are still relying on Starlink for providing high-speed internet for rural courthouses. The government is actively seeking alternatives, but none meet the technical requirements for consistent service in remote areas. Broader Canadian access to satellite-based connectivity is progressing through partnerships involving SpaceX's Starlink, offering satellite-to-phone services, including in Quebec's remote areas.
- Despite the cancellation of large-scale Starlink contracts in other provinces due to trade tensions, politics in Quebec have led to a new contract being awarded to SpaceX for Starlink satellite internet service in Quebec's courthouses located in remote regions.
- Science and technology advancements, such as SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet, are crucial in bridging the gap in connectivity during a time of heightened general news events like trade tensions, as seen in Canada's ongoing relationship with the United States.
