Islands off the coast of Nova Scotia getting high speed internet
Posted Aug 6, 2026 01:35:16 PM.
Almost 200 homes and businesses on Big and Little Tancook islands have been without high speed internet in an age where digital connection dominates.
The islands are located off the coast of Chester, and the government is laying underwater cables starting Thursday. It is nearly six kilometres from the mainland and the fibre optic cables will run along the ocean floor and connect both islands.
“The Tancook islands are an important part of Nova Scotia’s coastal communities. By utilizing what surrounds us – the ocean – the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative and our partners are bringing fibre service to the islands, supporting residents, small businesses and visitors with access to the services and opportunities they need,” said Danielle Barkhouse, MLA for Chester-St. Margarets, on behalf of Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, who shares ministerial responsibility for Build Nova Scotia.
Specialized submarine equipment and environmental approvals were needed for the construction. People can see the tools being taken by barge this week from the Halifax Harbour to an area in Blandford where installation will follow.
Eight kilometres of cable will be installed with the project to be completed in early fall, the press release reads.
“Access to reliable high-speed internet is vital for rural communities,” Elspeth McLean-Wile, Mayor, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, said. “[R]esidents will soon have access to fibre-to-the-home service that will strengthen connectivity, support economic opportunities and improve access to services.”
The funding was first established in 2018 and to date has gathered almost $200 million from other funders including the private sector.
(Province of Nova Scotia)
