In the North, “internet + IT” isn’t just a monthly bill and a Wi-Fi router. It’s how you take payments, send invoices, run email, coordinate crews, and store the files you can’t afford to lose. When it breaks, it usually breaks at the worst time: peak season, a weather delay, or a short mobilization window.
This guide is an operator-focused setup sequence you can run like a checklist. The goal is a minimum viable business stack that’s resilient: connectivity you understand, a network that doesn’t collapse under one bad device, standardized laptops/phones, clean accounts, backups you can recover from, and a security baseline that reduces the chance you get taken out by a phish or ransomware.
What this page covers
- Decision points for Northern connectivity (fiber/cable/wireless/cellular/satellite)
- When you need failover (and what should trigger it)
- Cloud-first vs offline/low-bandwidth workflows
- Buy vs lease hardware (and why shipping/repairs matter)
- A minimum security baseline (MFA, encryption, patching, backups)
- Single-site vs multi-site setup (shop + office + camp)
- A minimum viable stack sequence and a quote-ready provider checklist
Quick decision path
- If POS and invoicing must run every day: plan for failover (usually cellular or satellite) and define what “failover triggers” look like.
- If you have more than one room and any staff: don’t rely on the ISP modem/router alone. Plan a real Wi-Fi layout (coverage and segmentation).
- If you run VoIP or video calls: prioritize upload stability and internal Wi-Fi quality, not just download speed.
- If you operate a camp or remote site: design for low-touch maintenance (simple, labeled gear; remote management; spare parts on hand).
- If staffing is seasonal: standardize devices and accounts so onboarding/offboarding is fast and secure.
- If you’re not sure you can maintain it: use a managed support model for the basics (network, backups, patching, MFA enforcement) and keep it simple.
What you need ready
- Locations: every site you operate (office/shop/camp/home)
- Coverage reality: what service types are actually available in each location
- Critical apps: POS, email, accounting, file sharing, calls/video, remote access
- Device count: staff laptops/desktops + phones/tablets + printers + cameras
- Peak season plan: max staff count, rotations, shared devices (if any)
- Support model: who fixes issues at 8pm on a Saturday
- Uptime target: what can be down and for how long (and what can’t)
Missing this = vague estimates and fragile setups: unclear uptime target, unknown device count, and no plan for failover or backups.
Step-by-step: minimum viable stack (connectivity → network → devices → accounts → backups → security → monitoring)
Step 1: Choose your primary internet type (based on what exists, not what you wish existed)
Across the North, available options differ by community and even by neighbourhood. A practical first step is to confirm what’s actually available where you operate, then choose the best primary connection for your needs.
- Fiber/cable: typically best stability when available (good for POS + cloud + calls).
- Fixed wireless/cellular: can be workable, but performance varies by coverage, congestion, and indoor signal.
- Satellite: often the only option for remote sites; performance and latency may affect real-time apps.
Use local explainer resources to understand real options and constraints in your area, and treat “advertised speeds” as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Step 2: Decide if you need failover (and define the trigger)
Failover is not “nice to have” if outages stop revenue or safety communications. The simplest resilient model is:
- Primary: your best wired service (when available) or best available service type
- Secondary (failover): cellular hotspot/router or satellite, sized for “keep-the-lights-on” operations
Define triggers in plain language:
- POS transactions failing
- Cannot send invoices/email for more than [X] minutes
- VoIP/calls unusable
- Remote monitoring/security feed offline
Failover doesn’t need to run everything. It needs to run the business-critical lane.
Step 3: Build a real network (not just “the Wi-Fi password”)
A minimum viable network for a small Northern business usually includes:
- Business router/firewall: manages internet, failover, and basic protection
- Wi-Fi access points: placed for coverage (not just “one router in the corner”)
- Separate networks: staff devices vs guest Wi-Fi vs POS/critical devices (so one compromised phone doesn’t touch everything)
Practical Northern twist: label everything (power supplies, cables, ports) and keep a spare router/access point on the shelf. Shipping a single replacement part can take longer than the outage you can tolerate.
Step 4: Standardize devices (and decide buy vs lease)
Standardization beats “everyone buys whatever.” Pick a small set of approved devices that match your apps and support model.
- Buy: lower monthly cost, but you own lifecycle and replacement risk.
- Lease: predictable refresh cycles and easier planning, but you pay for convenience and may still face shipping delays for swaps.
For camps/field teams, prioritize durability, battery life, and offline-capable workflows over “latest specs.”
Step 5: Set up business accounts (email, files, passwords) before you add more apps
Get the foundation right:
- Business email domain: one identity for the company
- File sharing: one place for shared ops docs (not “on someone’s laptop”)
- Password manager: shared vaults for shared accounts (not shared passwords in texts)
- User accounts: one account per person (no shared logins for staff)
Seasonal staffing: build a simple onboarding/offboarding checklist and stick to it. Access should be easy to grant and easy to revoke.
Step 6: Backups (make recovery possible, not just “we think it’s backed up”)
Backups are a business continuity tool. A minimal approach is:
- Cloud data backup: protect email and file storage from deletion and ransomware impacts
- Device backup: ensure laptops/critical devices can be restored or replaced quickly
- Offline copy: at least one backup copy not always connected (so ransomware can’t encrypt everything)
Critical point: test restore. If you’ve never restored, you don’t know.
Step 7: Minimum security baseline (small business, real threats)
You don’t need enterprise security to get major risk reduction. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security publishes baseline controls intended for small and medium organizations, including items like incident planning, patching, strong authentication, and backup/encryption.
- MFA everywhere: email, accounting, file storage, admin portals
- Device encryption: laptops and phones (so a lost device isn’t a breach)
- Automatic updates: OS and apps (patching)
- Least privilege: staff accounts are not admin accounts
- Security awareness: basic phishing training and a “verify payment change requests” rule
Step 8: Monitoring and support (who notices first, who fixes it)
Even a simple stack needs a support plan:
- DIY: workable only if someone owns it and has time
- Managed support: often the best fit when you need uptime and predictable response
- Hybrid: local hands for physical issues, remote support for configuration and monitoring
Set expectations: hours of support, response time, and what’s included vs billable.
The Northern reality check
- Bandwidth isn’t the only issue. Wi-Fi design, upload stability, and device standards decide whether operations feel “reliable.”
- Outages happen. Plan failover for business-critical functions instead of hoping it won’t go down.
- Shipping delays change IT decisions. Keep spares for cheap critical gear and standardize models.
- Seasonal staffing is a security problem if you let it be. One shared password and one lost phone can become a major incident.
Key tools & resources
- Inuvik Internet Guide (connectivity explainer and guide to internet plans/providers)
What it is: A plain-language guide focused on real local internet conditions and setup/troubleshooting in Inuvik.
Who it’s for: Operators and households trying to choose service and improve Wi-Fi reliability.
When it helps: Early planning—understanding options, coverage realities, and setup basics.
Northern caveat: What works in one building or neighbourhood may not translate to another—validate at your actual site.
How to start: Use it to shortlist likely options, then test Wi-Fi coverage and confirm installation timelines before you commit.
https://westernarctic.ca/businesses/inuvik-internet-guide/
https://inuvikinternet.com/
- GNWT Finance: Internet Pricing in the NWT (Business)
What it is: A GNWT-maintained list of business internet providers and packages by NWT community (compiled from public ISP info).
Who it’s for: Businesses comparing realistic options across communities or planning a multi-site footprint.
When it helps: Budgeting and feasibility—understanding what “business internet” looks like by location.
Northern caveat: Listings change; always confirm current packages and installation details with the provider.
How to start: Find your community, list the viable service types, and set an uptime target before requesting quotes.
https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/internet-pricing-nwt-business
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Baseline cyber security controls for small and medium organizations
What it is: A practical baseline control set (80/20 approach) for SMEs, including strong authentication, patching, and backup/encryption.
Who it’s for: Any Northern business that wants a realistic security baseline without building an enterprise program.
When it helps: Designing your “minimum security baseline” and defining what your IT provider must implement.
Northern caveat: If local support is limited, prioritize controls you can actually maintain (auto-updates, MFA enforcement, managed backups).
How to start: Use the baseline control list as your requirements checklist for devices, accounts, and backups.
https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/baseline-cyber-security-controls-small-and-medium-organizations
- Get Cyber Safe: Guide for Small Businesses
What it is: A small business-focused guide with practical steps to reduce cyber risk.
Who it’s for: Small operators without dedicated IT staff.
When it helps: Building basic policies (passwords, MFA, phishing rules) and assigning responsibility.
Northern caveat: Keep policies short and enforceable—especially with seasonal staff.
How to start: Assign one person as “IT/cyber lead” and implement the top actions first (MFA + backups + patching).
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/resources/get-cyber-safe-guide-small-businesses
Who can help (local implementation/support options)
- Webhorse Technologies (Inuvik)
What it is: An Inuvik-based provider listed with IT consulting/digital support services.
Who it’s for: Operators who want local/regional help implementing or supporting business IT.
When it helps: When you need hands-on setup support, troubleshooting, or a managed support relationship.
Northern caveat: Define scope and response expectations clearly (hours, travel, what’s included).
How to start: Use the quote-ready checklist below and ask for a phased plan (minimum viable first, then improvements).
https://westernarctic.ca/businesses/webhorse-technologies/
Webhorse Technologies
- Inuvik Web Services (Inuvik)
What it is: A Northern provider focused on cloud hosting, managed infrastructure, and IoT connectivity built for remote and Arctic conditions.
Who it’s for: Organizations running websites/apps, cloud workloads, or sensor networks (IoT/LoRaWAN) that need reliable operation in low-bandwidth or remote environments.
When it helps: When you need hosting you can trust, remote provisioning/monitoring, or an edge-ready stack for field operations and community infrastructure.
Northern caveat: Start with the minimum viable reliability layer (hosting, monitoring, backups, access control) before expanding into more complex edge/IoT deployments.
How to start: Share your use case (website/app/IoT), expected traffic or data volumes, locations, and uptime target, then request a phased plan (Phase 1: hosting + monitoring; Phase 2: edge/IoT connectivity if needed).
https://westernarctic.ca/businesses/inuvik-web-services/
https://inuvik.io/
- EdgeAI Labs
What it is: A Northern-focused technology developer working on AI-enabled solutions and resilient connectivity approaches for remote operating environments.
Who it’s for: Operators who need specialized help beyond “basic IT”—remote monitoring, edge computing, automation, or connectivity resilience planning for camps and field operations.
When it helps: When you’re designing a multi-site setup, need local processing/offline-capable systems, or want to reduce bandwidth dependence for critical workflows.
Northern caveat: Start with a tight problem definition (what must keep working during outages, what data is critical, what must be offline-capable) so the solution is practical, not experimental.
How to start: Share your site footprint, connectivity constraints, critical apps, and uptime target, and ask for a phased plan (minimum viable reliability first, enhancements second).
EdgeAI Labs
- OpsBridge Solutions
What it is: An operations outsourcing and automation-focused provider supporting business processes with an “automation first” approach.
Who it’s for: Small and growing businesses that want to reduce admin load and standardize workflows (invoicing, procurement, reporting, customer intake, scheduling) without hiring full-time roles.
When it helps: When connectivity and tools are in place but work still stalls due to manual steps, inconsistent processes, or staff turnover/seasonality.
Northern caveat: Automation only works if inputs are standardized. Expect an upfront “process cleanup” phase (templates, naming, approvals) before you see real time savings.
How to start: List your top 3 recurring admin bottlenecks, current tools (email, spreadsheets, accounting/POS), and what “done” looks like, then request a small pilot workflow first.
OpsBridge Solutions
CHECKLIST (quote-ready): what to give providers so you don’t get vague estimates
- Sites: address/location type for each site (office/shop/camp/home) and whether sites must connect to each other
- Internet options you can access: available service types (wired/cellular/satellite) and any known dead zones
- Uptime target: what must stay up (POS, email, calls) and acceptable downtime (minutes/hours)
- Failover requirement: yes/no; if yes, what services must run on failover
- Device list: laptops/desktops, phones/tablets, printers, POS terminals, cameras
- User list: number of staff now and peak season; shared devices; admin roles
- Apps: POS, accounting, invoicing, file sharing, VoIP/video, remote access needs
- Wi-Fi needs: floor plan/rough layout, coverage pain points, guest Wi-Fi requirement
- Security baseline requirements: MFA, encryption, auto-updates, backups, phishing controls
- Backups: what data is critical, RPO/RTO targets (how much can you lose, how fast must you recover)
- Support expectations: business hours vs after-hours, response times, who is the on-site contact
- Budget guardrails: preferred monthly range and maximum one-time setup spend
TEMPLATE: IT setup quote request (copy/paste)
Subject: Request for quote – Business internet + IT setup (North) – [Business name] – [Community]
Hello [Provider Name],
We are setting up (or stabilizing) our business IT in [community/region]. We need a reliable minimum viable stack for operations: POS, invoicing, email, file sharing, and calls. Please propose an implementation plan and estimate with options (minimum viable first, then improvements).
Sites:
- [Site 1: office/shop/home/camp – address/area]
- [Site 2: …]
Critical apps: [POS], [accounting], [invoicing], [email], [file sharing], [VoIP/video].
Users/devices: [#] staff now, [#] peak season. Devices: [laptops], [phones/tablets], [POS terminals], [printers], [cameras].
Uptime target: POS and invoicing must work daily. Acceptable downtime: [X].
Failover: [Required / Not required]. If required, failover must support: [POS], [email], [calls].
Security baseline required: MFA for all accounts, device encryption, automatic patching/updates, managed backups, and a basic incident response plan.
Support expectations: [Business hours / After-hours]. Desired response time: [X]. Local on-site contact: [Name/Phone].
Budget guardrails: One-time setup up to $[ ], monthly up to $[ ].
Please include:
- Recommended connectivity approach (primary + failover if needed)
- Network design (router/firewall, Wi-Fi coverage approach, segmentation)
- Device standard recommendations (buy vs lease)
- Backup approach (what is backed up, retention, and restore testing)
- Ongoing support model and what’s included
Thank you,
[Name]
[Business]
[Phone] | [Email]
FAQ
Do I really need failover internet?
If outages stop you from taking payment, sending invoices, or communicating with staff/customers, failover is usually cheaper than downtime. Failover doesn’t need to run everything—just the business-critical lane.
What’s the most common “IT mistake” in small Northern businesses?
Relying on consumer-grade defaults: one shared password, one Wi-Fi network for everything, and no tested backups. It works until it doesn’t—and then recovery is slow and expensive.
Can I run cloud tools on limited bandwidth?
Often, yes—but you must design for it. Use low-bandwidth settings for video, keep files organized to reduce constant syncing, and ensure critical workflows have an offline/low-bandwidth option where possible (especially in camps and during outages).
What security baseline should I demand if I hire an IT provider?
At minimum: MFA everywhere, device encryption, automatic patching, managed backups with restore testing, and basic access control (no shared logins, least privilege). Use the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security baseline controls as a requirements checklist.
