The Quebec government in Canada has recently approved a new contract to install SpaceX Starlink internet in courthouses located in remote areas of the province, as reported by the Montreal Gazette. This decision comes amidst escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, following the imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and energy exports by President Donald Trump.
The $826,000 CAD contract was awarded to an Alberta-based company, which will be responsible for installing Starlink antennas and providing monthly service. According to the Justice Department spokesperson Cathy Chenard, Starlink is the only system that meets the performance requirements of Quebec’s Circuit Court, despite ongoing exploration of other options.
Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, has shown support for Trump’s campaign and currently heads the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. The contract for installing Starlink in Quebec courthouses was tendered in January and finalized on February 3, despite initial hesitations following the announcement of tariffs.
While some experts, like McGill economics professor Julian Karaguesian, argue for considering alternatives like Europe-based Eutelsat, Quebec has decided to move forward with Starlink due to its direct-to-consumer model and continuous technological advancements. In contrast, Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently canceled a $100 million Starlink contract for rural communities and announced a ban on U.S. companies bidding on government contracts in response to the tariffs.
Quebec has been an early adopter of Starlink, previously awarding a $130 million CAD contract to expand high-speed internet access in rural areas. With that project now completed, the province is collaborating with Ottawa to develop Canadian alternatives to reduce reliance on Starlink. However, the vertical integration of Starlink, which allows the company to launch its own satellites and develop its own software, presents a challenge for finding comparable alternatives.
Despite differing opinions on the choice to continue with Starlink, Quebec remains committed to improving internet access in remote areas through innovative solutions. As the province navigates the complexities of international trade relations, the installation of Starlink in courthouses represents a step towards enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents in these remote regions.