Dichotomous Reflection: Technological Convergence vs. the Relentless Reality of Nature

8:00 a.m., a snowy winter morning, the phone rings in a small terminal at the very top of Quebec. “Ai!” (Hello in Inuktitut). “Where are the technicians sent to install the satellite dish?” I asked the counter agent comfortably seated at my desk in the south (Montreal is in the south from the perspective of the Inuit). “They are probably still at the hotel. They couldn’t walk since there is a polar bear alert in the village.” I then asked the counter agent to go and pick them up with the truck.

Aviation contributes to accelerating the development of remote regions such as Nunavik in northern Quebec and has been doing so for several decades, to the point that we now talk about a lifeline for the population. I speak of remote regions, but I could rather speak of isolated regions. It must be understood that the 14 Inuit villages that Air Inuit serves have no road access, no electricity or telecommunications cable. The air service allows, among other things, a flow of fresh food, the sending of medicines, and various specialized equipment. In addition to health workers, public services, and technical workers of all kinds, not to mention medical evacuations. Construction materials, furniture, cars, and other

 merchandise, such as non-perishable food, arrive by ships that make their delivery only during the short summer period. The internet has gradually arrived there for about 20 years, but the speed and latency (600 ms - 1200 ms), despite several improvements over the years, have not been in phase with the quality of service urban centers enjoy. Suddenly, the Covid pandemic is serving as a catalyst, and several initiatives are emerging almost simultaneously; first, the arrival of submarine fiber optics for several villages with coverage to come for all coastal villages envisaged within approximately two years, then StarLink making possible access to its satellites last year for all villages within six months! This improvement in speed and latency is considered a game changer, making possible the use of technologies that were not conceivable a few months ago. Internet access, especially its dependence, is on its way to becoming an essential service (if not already).

Even though cellular networks are absent from the vast majority of villages, mobile phone use is as widespread there as elsewhere (Wi-Fi is almost exclusively used). Social networks are used as much as by city dwellers.

By observing the cumulative arrival of various technologies (including aviation), we see that at a certain point of accumulation, the adoption of subsequent new technologies is done practically at the same speed, whether in a remote region or not.

Let’s now try to imagine what new technology innovations will bring. For example, the acceleration that artificial intelligence will generate will undoubtedly allow remote regions such as the Inuit to be engaged actors for future challenges. And there are many challenges and many of unprecedented magnitude. Considering the convergence of technologies with all its new participants (remote regions, developing populations), I can only remain positive about our ability to face them!

The Inuit also face concrete challenges; among others, we can mention social and housing issues, melting permafrost, or the constant decrease in country food resources. Access to technologies consequently allows access to tools and knowledge that was much more difficult to obtain. I remain optimistic about the future here, too! Thanks to technological convergence, on the same snowy winter morning, someone answers the phone in the hotel lobby, “I’m looking for telecommunications technicians around?” I asked. “Yes, they are in the truck in front of the hotel.” “And why is it taking so long, the terminal is only a few minutes from the hotel?” “Oh, they are stuck in the snow and can’t get out of the vehicle because there is a polar bear alert. They are waiting for the tow truck.” The relentless reality of nature.