The federal government is spending $36 million to improve internet service in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Diane Ablonczy, the secretary of state for small business and tourism, made the announcement Friday morning in Yellowknife.

Ablonczy said broadband internet service is a necessity, not a frill, for the North's remote communities.

She said the service will mean "easier banking, better health-care, stronger bonds with family members living in different parts of Canada. Satellite broadband even has a positive impact on commerce as residents can use Internet connections to sell their art, their regional goods and services and, my favourite, to support tourism," she said.

Ablonczy said that 56 communities will benefit from the money.

About $14 million of the total will go to the Northwest Territories, with the remainder going to Nunavut.

A spokesperson for the Nunavut Broadband Development Corp. said the money will allow providers to improve their slow service, and allow them to add new services for individuals, government and corporate users.