Over 40 underserved communities in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario to benefit from improved broadband connectivity Français

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Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Feb 04, 2021, 11:00 ET

CRTC Broadband Fund to contribute up to $26.7 million to transport projects

OTTAWA, ON and GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, the CRTC announced that five transport projects will receive up to $26.7 million in funding from the Broadband Fund.

Over 550 km of fibre transport network will be built in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario, benefitting 41 communities, three of which are Indigenous communities and one being an official-language minority community. Once the networks are completed, they will provide improved transport connectivity for these communities, including more than 8,000 households and up to 26 institutions that provide a public service, such as schools, medical facilities and libraries. 

The Broadband Fund will allocate a total of up to $26.7 million to:

  • Shaw Cablesystems G.P. (British Columbia)
  • BH Telecom Corp. (Saskatchewan)
  • Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation (British Columbia)
  • Tough Country Communications Ltd. (British Columbia)
  • Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (Ontario)

The funding recipients will have to provide wholesale access to their infrastructure to entities that wish to offer retail Internet services. By improving broadband connectivity and helping to foster competition, the projects will positively impact the surrounding communities.

Prior to receiving funding, recipients must complete a statement of work setting out the details of each project, including schedules and costs, which must be approved by the CRTC. It is anticipated that construction for most projects announced today will start in the second half of 2021 at the earliest.

The CRTC is continuing to evaluate the applications submitted to the second call for applications. Further funding announcements will be made as additional projects are approved.

Quote
"In the last year, reliable and affordable broadband access, as well as mobile connectivity, have increasingly proven to be critical for all Canadians. That said, we are reminded daily of the unfortunate reality and challenges faced by Canadians in underserved communities. Today's announcement is encouraging news and, along with other sources of funding recently announced, more Canadians across the country will be able to participate in the digital economy."

-  Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO of the CRTC

Quick Facts

  • Details of each project (such as the communities to be served, the length of the network to be built, the CRTC Broadband Fund's contribution and the project's total cost) can be found in the media backgrounder.
  • Applications were evaluated based on many factors, including their technical merit, financial viability, the level of community consultation, and the amount of funding from other sources – both public and private.
  • In August 2020, the CRTC announced the five selected projects from the first call for applications, targeting Canada's territories and satellite-dependent communities.
  • In November 2019, the CRTC issued a second call for applications for projects to improve broadband Internet access services and mobile wireless services across Canada. The second call generated 586 applications requesting more than $1.5 billion in total funding. 
  • The CRTC Broadband Fund will provide up to $750 million over five years to support projects that improve broadband Internet access services and mobile wireless services in underserved areas in Canada. It is designed to complement private-sector investments and public-sector initiatives.
  • With today's announcement, the Broadband Fund has so far committed close to $100 million to improve broadband Internet access for 92 communities representing approximately 18,000 households. 
  • The CRTC's universal service objective for fixed Internet access service is that all Canadians have access to speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload, with the option of an unlimited data allowance.
  • The universal service objective for mobile wireless services is that all Canadians have access to the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology (currently LTE). It should be accessible in homes and businesses, and along major transportation roads.
  • In 2019, 45.6% of rural households had access to broadband Internet access services offering 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload and unlimited data.
  • The CRTC expects fixed broadband Internet access service to be available in 90% of Canadian homes and businesses by the end of 2021 and 100% as soon as possible.

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media Relations, (819) 997-9403, [email protected]; General Inquiries, (819) 997-0313, Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY (819) 994-0423

Related Links

http://www.crtc.gc.ca

Organization Profile

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Related Organization(s)

Government of Canada