
CRTC — Broadband Fund
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Canada
Funding for Internet access infrastructure projects
CRTC — Broadband Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : June 15, 2023
- Closing date : July 21, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
- Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE)
Status
Closed
Overview of the CRTC — Broadband Fund program
Receive funding for transport projects, mobile wireless projects along major roads, and projects requiring operational funding to increase satellite transport capacity in all admissible underserved areas.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant aims to support the development of broadband infrastructure in Canada's underserved areas through strategic funding measures. The financing is structured to ensure effective implementation and oversight.
- Up to $675 million available over the first 5 years for broadband infrastructure projects.
Eligible projects & activities
Eligible projects under the Broadband Fund focus on building or upgrading infrastructure to enhance broadband internet access across underserved areas in Canada. These projects aim to provide better connectivity through fixed and mobile wireless broadband services.
- Construction and upgrading of infrastructure for fixed broadband access.
- Enhancement of mobile wireless broadband connectivity.
- Projects targeting increased broadband accessibility in rural and remote communities.
- Development of transport infrastructure for improved broadband delivery.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 825,000
Expanding broadband access to remote communities
$ 900,000
Enhancing mobile wireless broadband services in underserved regions of Ottawa
$ 600,000
Building a new mobile wireless broadband network in underserved areas of Halifax
$ 975,000
Operational funding to increase satellite transport capacity in remote areas near Victoria
$ 1,125,000
Constructing new broadband networks in underserved rural communities near Montreal
$ 712,500
Upgrading existing broadband infrastructure in rural areas around Saskatoon
Eligibility criteria of the CRTC — Broadband Fund program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the project's focus on improving broadband access in underserved areas.
- The applicant must propose a project to build or upgrade access and transport infrastructure for broadband Internet services.
- The project must target eligible underserved areas where adequate broadband access is currently lacking.
- The applicant must be able to demonstrate their capacity to effectively implement the project.
- Community consultation is emphasized as a key component of the project development process.
- The project must be financially viable and able to leverage potential funding from other sources.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Broadband Fund include organizations that are capable of deploying broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of Canada. Specifically, entities involved in broadband infrastructure development, such as telecommunications companies and internet service providers, are encouraged to apply. Additionally, partnerships that may include municipalities, Indigenous communities, and private sector companies are also eligible, provided they demonstrate the ability to deliver broadband services in areas lacking adequate connectivity.
Eligible expenses
The Broadband Fund aims to enhance Internet and mobile wireless broadband access in underserved areas across Canada by supporting infrastructure projects. The projects selected for funding focus on developing and upgrading broadband networks to achieve better connectivity.
- Building new broadband access infrastructure in areas lacking sufficient Internet speeds.
- Upgrading existing networks to provide at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
- Expanding mobile LTE coverage to areas with inadequate service, particularly in rural regions.
- Developing transport infrastructure to support broadband access services.
Eligible geographic areas
This fund is designed to support the development of broadband infrastructure in underserved areas across Canada, particularly focusing on rural and remote communities.
- Underserved areas across Canada.
- Rural communities where broadband coverage is limited.
- Remote areas that lack adequate access to broadband services.
Eligibility criteria of the CRTC — Broadband Fund program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria aim to assess and prioritize projects based on specific requirements.
- Benefit to underserved areas
- Technical feasibility
- Scalability and sustainability
- Community consultation
- Cost-effectiveness
How to apply to the CRTC — Broadband Fund program
1
Review the eligibility criteria and requirements for the Broadband Fund application
- Content: Understand the specific criteria and details required for project proposals
- Implications: Ensure that your project aligns with the fund's objectives and guidelines
2
Prepare and submit your application through the designated portal
- Content: Complete the application form with all necessary information
- Implications: Provide accurate details to support your project for funding consideration
3
Await the evaluation and selection process by the Broadband Fund committee
- Content: Your application will be reviewed and assessed against the fund's criteria
- Implications: The committee will determine if your project qualifies for funding
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The fund's latest updates and notifications can be tracked through the Broadband Fund RSS feed.
- The third call for applications emphasized the importance of community consultation.
- The consultation on the review of the Broadband Fund was recently closed as of July 2023.
- Recent projects have been announced in the third call for applications, highlighting ongoing funding selections.
Apply to this program

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