Open
Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects
Funding to expand broadband access in Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Your not-for-profit organization could get a contribution of up to $1 million to cover 50% of the costs of a project that increases Internet connectivity for unserved or underserved areas.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Information and cultural industries
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing broadband and cellular connectivity in unserved or underserved areas of Northern Ontario. The eligible projects focus on improving access to high-speed internet and expanding cellular coverage to support community development and economic growth.
- Projects that improve broadband and cellular coverage in areas with broadband download speeds of less than 25 megabits per second (mbps).
- Initiatives providing a minimum of 25 mbps to consumers at competitive costs.
- Projects that expand cellular coverage along the Trans-Canada and King’s Highways.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Municipalities, municipal organizations, Indigenous Communities, and community-based networks or ICT community champions (not-for-profit economic development/innovation centres) in Northern Ontario are eligible to apply for NOHFC support in broadband and cellular expansion projects.Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. They include:
- For-profit companies
- Individual businesses
- Corporations not meeting eligibility criteria
Eligible expenses
The eligible projects under this grant aim to improve internet and mobile connectivity in underserved regions of Northern Ontario. The focus is on enhancing broadband speeds and extending cellular coverage to improve access for these communities.
- Projects that improve broadband and cellular coverage in areas with broadband speeds less than 25 mbps.
- Projects ensuring a minimum of 25 mbps to consumers, matching the urban cost structure.
- Projects that expand cellular coverage along major highways such as the Trans-Canada and King’s Highways.
- Projects targeting 50 mbps delivery speeds that are scalable to this threshold.
- Projects offering the lowest cost per customer served regarding broadband services.
- Cellular projects that enhance service areas and enable roaming on other networks.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically targeted at addressing broadband gaps in Northern Ontario. Eligible applicants must be located in this geographical region to increase connectivity for unserved or underserved areas.
- Northern Ontario.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum amount of funding from all government sources will not exceed 90%.
- A map and identification of the property defining the project's geographic coverage must be included in the proposal.
- An overview of the network design demonstrating capacity to deliver proposed speeds must be provided in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects?
Your not-for-profit organization could get a contribution of up to $1 million to cover 50% of the costs of a project that increases Internet connectivity for unserved or underserved areas.
How much funding can be received?
Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects program?
To be eligible for the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects program, you must:
Municipalities, municipal organizations, and Indigenous Communities in Northern Ontario are eligible.
Community-based networks or ICT community champions (not-for-profit economic development/innovation centres) in Northern Ontario can apply.
Projects must have been declined funding under other Ontario infrastructure programs or not meet their eligibility requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects?
This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing broadband and cellular connectivity in unserved or underserved areas of Northern Ontario. The eligible projects focus on improving access to high-speed internet and expanding cellular coverage to support community development and economic growth. Projects that improve broadband and cellular coverage in areas with broadband download speeds of less than 25 megabits per second (mbps).
Initiatives providing a minimum of 25 mbps to consumers at competitive costs.
Projects that expand cellular coverage along the Trans-Canada and King’s Highways.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects available?
The Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects is a Grant and Funding