Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis: A Remote Link in British Columbia's Connectivity Chain
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis, a small community in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the 108 landing points for the
Connected Coast submarine cable. While it may not boast multiple cables like regional hubs such as Vancouver or Prince Rupert, its inclusion in this ambitious project underscores the effort to bring modern connectivity to remote and underserved areas along Canada’s Pacific coastline.
The Connected Coast Cable: Stitching Together Coastal Communities
The Connected Coast cable, set to be ready for service in 2024, is a domestic network designed to bridge vast distances between isolated communities in British Columbia. Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis is one of the many stops along this cable’s route, which also includes nearby landing points like Addenbroke Island, Alert Bay, and Bella Bella. Unlike larger hubs such as Halifax or Vancouver that host international cables, this cable is entirely domestic, serving as a critical piece of infrastructure for regional connectivity.
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis stands out for its remote location. Unlike urban centers, where multiple cables converge to provide redundancy and high-capacity networks, this landing point relies on a single connection to the Connected Coast cable. This makes it an essential link for local residents and businesses to access internet services, enabling everything from communication to education and healthcare.
Latency Insights: Measuring Connectivity
GeoCables’ proprietary latency monitoring reveals the performance of the Connected Coast cable at Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis. Across 11 completed checks from six source cities, the average round-trip latency to this landing point is 137 milliseconds, with the best observed latency at 104 milliseconds. While these numbers may not rival the ultra-low latencies of major international cables, they are more than sufficient for the needs of a small, remote community. This connectivity is a significant improvement for a region where reliable internet access has historically been a challenge.
Positioning Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis Among Canada’s Cable Network
Canada hosts 21 submarine cables across 155 landing points, with an average cable length of 259 kilometers. Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis ranks among the top 97% of landing points in terms of cable count, with just one cable serving this location. In contrast, hubs like Vancouver and Halifax host multiple cables, reflecting their roles as national and international gateways. The Connected Coast cable, however, is tailored to meet the unique needs of British Columbia’s rugged coastline, connecting smaller communities that might otherwise remain isolated.
A Community Connected
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis may not be a bustling urban center, but its inclusion in the Connected Coast cable network is a testament to the importance of extending connectivity to all corners of Canada. For residents of this remote community, the cable represents access to opportunities that were previously out of reach-whether it's telemedicine, online education, or simply staying in touch with the outside world. As the cable goes live in 2024, Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa’mis will take its place as one of the many links in British Columbia’s coastal connectivity chain.