On June 11, 2024, Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous communities from the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, announced a landmark deal to acquire Northwestel, a leading telecommunications service provider in the North, for up to C$1 billion. This transaction will make Northwestel the largest telecommunications company globally with full Indigenous ownership. The partnership aims to enhance connectivity and bridge the digital divide, focusing on sustainable development and investment in community infrastructure, housing, social services, health, and education.

Key initiatives include doubling Internet speeds to 1 Gbps for fibre customers, expanding high-speed Internet availability to over 97% of homes in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and offering LEO satellite technology to remote communities. Additionally, a C$4 million investment will fund the Great Slave Lake Fibre Project, enhancing network resiliency.

Northwestel’s management, led by President Curtis Shaw, will remain, with plans to increase Indigenous workforce representation through training and mentorship programs. The corporate headquarters will stay in Whitehorse, with operational headquarters in Yellowknife and a regional office in Iqaluit.

TD Securities served as financial advisor to Sixty North Unity, while RBC Capital Markets advised Bell. The transaction, subject to due diligence, financing, and regulatory approvals, aligns with Bell’s commitment to economic reconciliation and continued partnership with Northwestel. Bell plans to use the proceeds to pay down debt.