Telus Finally Set to Lay Undersea Cable After 4-Year Wait

Telus is set to begin installing a long-planned submarine fibre optic cable between Sept-Îles and the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec this fall, following delays and permitting processes.

The project, first announced in 2020, recently cleared the necessary approvals after consultations with Indigenous communities.

Once in place, the undersea cable is expected to improve the stability of internet, TV, and phone services in Quebec’s North Shore and Lower North Shore regions. It will act as a backup route in case of service disruptions along Route 138 between Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles—an area where weather-related outages have become more common.

“The new submarine fibre optic cable will significantly enhance the potency and resiliency of our networks, enabling public utilities to fulfil their mission, local businesses to take full advantage of digital opportunities and families to benefit from a powerful and reliable connection. Given the increasingly severe weather events posing greater risks to connectivity, this redundant infrastructure ensures first responders and families maintain critical communications when they need them most,” said Telus CEO Darren Entwistle in a statement on Tuesday.

Federal officials also highlighted the project’s role in improving access to essential services in rural areas. “The federal government’s investment, in collaboration with Telus, will help improve network reliability for communities on the North Shore and Lower North Shore. This submarine project will create jobs, improve access to healthcare and online learning services, and maintain communication between people and their loved ones,” said Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development.

Telus says deployment is scheduled for the fall, with service activation expected shortly after.