Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
ON, Canada
Funding to expand broadband access in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Information and cultural industries
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides financial support for broadband and cellular expansion projects through conditional contributions. The funding is structured to cover a significant portion of eligible costs while ensuring affordability and coverage objectives are met.
- Funding covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $1 million per project.
- Targeted funding amounts to an average of $500 per dwelling within the coverage area, which may be exceeded in certain areas to meet speed requirements.
- Increased funding consideration of up to $1,500 per dwelling for projects delivering 50 mbps or greater.
- The maximum funding from all government sources must not exceed 90%.
- Funding is conditional and requires compliance with all outlined program requirements and objectives.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 205,000
Increase internet connectivity for small businesses in downtown Calgary
$ 500,000
Provide affordable high-speed internet access in rural areas of Montreal
$ 300,000
Expand broadband coverage in Northern Toronto to underserved households
$ 290,000
Improve cellular coverage along Highway 15 near Ottawa
$ 365,000
Deploy broadband infrastructure to underserved areas's outskirts
$ 450,000
Expand cellular coverage in remote communities around Hamilton
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is limited to specific organizations within Northern Ontario focused on addressing broadband gaps in the region.
- The applicant must be a Municipality, municipal organization, Indigenous Community, or Community-based network (ICT community champions, not-for-profit economic development/innovation centres) in Northern Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. They include:
- For-profit companies
- Individual businesses
- Corporations not meeting eligibility criteria
grant_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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives of improving connectivity and supporting economic development in Northern Ontario.
- Demonstrated efforts to obtain funding from other sources, such as the ICON program or other federal, municipal, or private sector funding.
- Confirmed sources of funding for the project outside of NOHFC support, indicating financial feasibility and readiness.
- Ability of the project to deliver internet speeds of 50 mbps or more, demonstrating scalability and future-proofing.
- Cost-effectiveness, evidenced by a low cost per customer served.
- Enhancements in cellular projects, such as larger coverage areas and improved roaming capabilities.
- Impact on business competitiveness through improved connectivity and increased IT usage.
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
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