Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects
ON, Canada
Funding to expand broadband access in Northern Ontario
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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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)
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grant_card_status|open
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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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This grant is available to entities located specifically in regions within Northern Ontario, reflecting the focus of the funding body on addressing connectivity issues in this area. Eligible regions are targeted to support unserved or underserved locations.
- Municipalities within Northern Ontario.
- Indigenous Communities located in Northern Ontario.
- Community-based networks or ICT community champions operating in Northern Ontario.
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.
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Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. They include:
- For-profit companies
- Individual businesses
- Corporations not meeting eligibility criteria
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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
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to broadband and cellular-related capital and equipment.
- Cost of towers.
- Antennas purchase and installation costs.
- Expenses related to electronics necessary for network operations.
- Construction or adaptation of site buildings required for network equipment.
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|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Verify that your organization is one of the eligible entities such as municipalities or Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.
- Ensure your project meets the basic requirements such as aiming to deliver a minimum of 25 mbps broadband speed.
- Ensure your project has been declined funding under other Ontario infrastructure programs like ICON or is ineligible for those programs.
- Step 2: Gather Documentation
- Prepare documentation showing proof of declined applications to other programs or ineligibility proofs.
- Create a detailed project proposal including objectives, technology to be used, and expected benefits.
- Obtain a map and property identification defining the geographic coverage of the project.
- Prepare an overview of the network design to support delivery speeds as outlined in your application.
- Gather information about all confirmed sources of funding.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the NOHFC application form available on the funding body's website.
- Provide detailed information regarding the project, addressing evaluation criteria such as project scalability, cost per customer, and economic impact.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Log into the respective portal or access point to submit your application.
- Upload all required supporting documentation and ensure the application is complete.
- Submit the application before any specified deadlines.
- Step 5: Receive Confirmation
- Watch for a confirmation email or notification confirming the receipt of your application.
- Keep records of the confirmation for future reference.
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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
Enhancing Connectivity in Northern Ontario with NOHFC Grants
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) grant aims to enhance broadband and cellular connectivity in Northern Ontario by financially supporting expansion projects targeting unserved or underserved regions. This initiative is designed to close connectivity gaps, bringing high-speed internet to remote areas and enhancing cellular network coverage.
In-Depth Insights into NOHFC Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects
The NOHFC broadband and cellular expansion grant is a decisive step towards addressing the connectivity issues in Northern Ontario, an area often challenged by inadequate broadband services and unreliable cellular networks. This grant program is specifically tailored to municipalities, municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, and certain not-for-profit entities, allowing them to implement projects that bring tangible improvements in internet and cellular services to regions struggling with poor connectivity. With a focus on areas where current broadband speeds fall below 25 mbps, the aim is to elevate these to a minimum of 25 mbps, thereby offering vast improvements in daily communication, business operations, and overall quality of life for residents.
One of the distinctive aspects of this grant is its focus on projects that have previously faced hurdles in securing funding from other available resources, such as the ICON program. The NOHFC takes a broad view of eligibility by considering projects that either could not access previous funding opportunities or were deemed ineligible for existing provincial infrastructure programs. This increases the accessibility of necessary financial support for pivotal connectivity projects that play a crucial role in leveling the digital playing field for remote communities.
The evaluation process for this grant emphasizes firstly ensuring that all other reasonable funding avenues have been explored, providing a foundation of solid project viability and need. Additionally, projects that are already poised with confirmed funding sources from other channels are prioritized, as these demonstrate a comprehensive financial framework for success. Projects are encouraged to offer 50 mbps connectivity where feasible or demonstrate scalability to such speeds, underscoring the NOHFC's commitment to not just meeting current needs but future-proofing connectivity standards.
Eligible projects are expected to allocate at least 85% of costs towards broadband or cellular-related infrastructure such as towers and technological equipment, ensuring that the bulk of funding directly impacts technological upgrades. This focus on infrastructure ensures that enhanced connectivity will translate into real technological advancements and improvements in service delivery. Furthermore, there's an emphasis on delivering services at costs comparable to urban rates, ensuring that improvements do not come at prohibitive expenses for rural consumers.
From a financial standpoint, the grant terms are strategic; with 50% of eligible project costs covered up to $1 million, and targeted investment set at $500 per dwelling, these figures represent a considerable commitment to advancing rural technology access. In cases where project costs to achieve desired speeds exceed these amounts due to infrastructural complexities in remote areas, flexibility is provided, although with a stipulated cap from all government sources not exceeding 90% of total project costs, to maintain fiscal prudence and prevent overbuilding of network solutions.
In conclusion, the NOHFC broadband and cellular expansion grant not only offers a financial lifeline for under-connected communities but sets strategic benchmarks for sustainable technological growth. It encourages stakeholders to consider both the immediate benefits and the expansive potential of improved connectivity, highlighting the significant socio-economic impact such projects can catalyze. This grant is a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where communities can thrive, businesses can grow, and individuals can access the digital resources they need to participate fully in modern life, thereby fostering a more equitable technological landscape across Northern Ontario.
