How much funding can be received?

Get funding to cover up to 90% of project costs for broadband infrastructure projects that will bring high-speed Internet at 50/10 Megabits per second to rural and remote communities by March 31, 2027.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant targets projects in areas lacking adequate broadband services, specifically focusing on rural and remote regions in Canada. The eligible areas are determined using availability mapping to ensure focused and impactful service delivery.

Areas identified by ISED's Availability Map as having less than 50/10 Mbps service.
Unserved Indigenous communities and unserved roads leading to these communities.
Unserved portions of major roads and highways strategic for Indigenous socio-economic development.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$4,050,000

Building new broadband infrastructure to cover underserved areas

$18,000,000

Enhancing Internet connectivity along highways from Nanaimo to remote villages

$5,850,000

Deploying high-speed Internet infrastructure in remote Aboriginal communities near Saskatoon

$6,300,000

Introducing high-speed Internet for remote areas near Whitehorse

$4,500,000

Deploying broadband infrastructure to serve Indigenous communities near Thunder Bay

$2,700,000

Expanding rural broadband access for agricultural communities

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and partnership capabilities, as well as their engagement in broadband infrastructure.

The applicant must be a corporation, either for-profit or not-for-profit, that is incorporated in Canada.
Alternatively, the applicant can be a Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal entity.
An Indigenous entity can also apply, which includes a profit or non-profit organization run by and for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples, a band council, or an Indigenous government authority established by agreements.
Public sector bodies established by statute or regulation or wholly owned by a provincial, municipal, or regional government that provide services to communities are eligible.
Partnerships, joint ventures, or consortia composed of eligible parties are also eligible.
The applicant must either build, own, and operate broadband infrastructure or enter into a contractual arrangement with eligible entities to design, build, own, and operate broadband infrastructure.
Federal entities, including Crown Corporations, are not eligible recipients.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is intended for projects bringing high-speed Internet to underserved rural and remote areas in Canada. Applicants can include both profit and non-profit corporations that are incorporated in Canada, Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal entities, Indigenous entities, and public sector bodies established by statute or regulation. Partnerships, joint ventures, or consortia composed of the eligible entities are also qualified to apply. Applicants must either build, own, and operate broadband infrastructure themselves or enter into agreements with eligible entities for designing, building, owning, and operating such infrastructure.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Universal Broadband Fund has specific restrictions regarding the eligibility of certain federal entities. These rules have been established to focus the funding on non-federal government entities that can support broadband infrastructure development.

Federal entities, including Crown Corporations, are not eligible recipients.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Universal Broadband Fund supports projects aimed at extending broadband access and mobile service in rural and underserved areas. The eligible activities focus on deploying infrastructure to provide high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity to communities that lack adequate service.

Extending household access to high-speed Internet services in areas with internet speeds less than 50/10 Mbps.
Enhancing mobile connectivity primarily benefiting Indigenous peoples in unserved communities and strategic roads.
Deploying broadband infrastructure, including establishing Points of Presence (PoPs), in unconnected regions.
Implementing projects to deliver advanced mobile services using minimum 4G LTE technologies in underserved areas.
Providing open access to the newly established broadband infrastructure to maximize coverage.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible costs under the UBF program are the relevant and reasonable expenses required to carry out the eligible activities to which they relate.

Direct labour costs, meaning that portion of gross wages or salaries incurred for work that can be specifically identified and measured as having been performed or are to be performed on the Project.
Direct material costs, meaning those costs of materials which can be specifically identified and measured as having been used or will be used in the implementation of the project.
Direct equipment costs, meaning the cost of equipment required for the completion of the project, including but not limited to servers, switches, fibre optic cable, repeaters, radio equipment, towers, poles, back-up power supplies, shelters and network broadband connectivity devices including upgrades.
Direct satellite capacity costs, meaning the portion of the direct purchase or lease of bandwidth or capacity delivered over the physical medium of satellite which can be specifically identified and measured as having been used or to be used on the implementation of the project.
Direct travel costs, meaning the cost of travel which is deemed necessary to the performance of the project.
Other direct costs, meaning those applicable costs, not falling within the categories of direct labour, direct equipment, direct material, direct satellite capacity, or direct travel costs, but which can be specifically identified and measured as having been incurred or to be incurred to implement the project.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the Universal Broadband Fund are based on a structured assessment process comprised of eligibility screening, essential criteria, and comparative criteria to ensure projects meet program objectives.

Eligibility Screening: Ensures that the applicant is an eligible entity and that the project proposal includes all required components and targets eligible areas.
Essential Criteria:
- Managerial Capacity: Demonstrates project managerial viability.
- Technical Feasibility: Evaluates the technical solution's capability to deliver at least 50/10 Mbps speeds for broadband or 4G LTE for mobile projects.
- Sustainability: Assesses the long-term viability and financial sustainability of the project, particularly maintenance after completion.
Comparative Criteria:
- Comparative Financial and Technical Criteria: Focused on the cost-effectiveness and robustness of the technical solutions proposed.
- Community Benefits: Considers social and economic impacts, particularly improvements in connectivity, economic development, and socio-economic participation of the community.

grant_single_labels|register

To apply for the Universal Broadband Fund, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the UBF Application Portal
- Create a secure login using GcKey ID and set up your Broadband Connection account.
- Gain access to the UBF Applicant Portal.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Download and complete the necessary templates, including the Eligibility and Impacts Calculator and Detailed Budget.
- Gather supporting documents, such as financial statements and project schedules.
Step 3: Eligibility Mapping and Statistics
- Use the Eligibility Mapping Tool to define and validate your project coverage area.
- Upload the generated coverage map and associated statistics.
Step 4: Fill Out the UBF Application Form
- Complete the Application Form with required project and contact information.
- Ensure that all mandatory fields are filled, and necessary attachments are prepared.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents and Templates
- Upload completed templates and required supporting documents through the portal.
- Ensure documents are named correctly and follow the specified format.
Step 6: Validate and Submit
- Use the Validate and Save function to check for errors in your application.
- Submit your complete application through the portal before the deadline.
Step 7: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of your application submission and retain the reference number.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Projects receiving funding over $50 million are subject to additional Cabinet and Treasury Board approvals.
Successful applicants are required to acknowledge the contribution of the Government of Canada in public communications.
Projects must comply with environmental regulations under the Impact Assessment Act.
Indigenous consultation may be necessary for projects impacting Aboriginal rights.
Successful applicants will enter into a Contribution Agreement with specific reporting and accountability measures.

grant_single_labels|documents

Universal Broadband Fund

Apply to this program

Enhancing Connectivity Across Rural and Remote Canada

The Universal Broadband Fund aims to bridge the digital divide in Canada by providing substantial financial assistance for broadband infrastructure projects, ensuring all Canadians access high-speed Internet. This initiative targets underserved rural and remote areas, especially benefitting Indigenous communities, to foster economic growth and digital inclusion.

A Detailed Overview of the Universal Broadband Fund

The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) represents a major commitment by the Canadian government to eliminate the digital divide by connecting rural and remote areas to reliable, high-speed internet. Recognizing the crucial role that broadband plays in economic growth and digital equity, the UBF aims to connect 100% of Canadian homes to at least 50/10 Mbps speeds. The fund operates under the umbrella of Canada's Connectivity Strategy and addresses the significant disparity between urban and rural internet access, which, as of 2018, saw only 41% of rural households able to access such speeds compared to 98% of urban households.

Launched against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the program has become even more vital, supporting Canadians in their abilities to work, learn, and access critical services online. With funding accessible until March 31, 2027, the UBF offers a $3.225 billion opportunity to businesses, non-profit organizations, and various levels of government, including Indigenous entities, to develop and enhance internet infrastructure in underserved regions.

This fund supports both fixed broadband and mobile initiatives, emphasizing projects primarily benefiting Indigenous communities which currently lack essential 4G LTE mobile services and broadband speeds of 50/10 Mbps. Eligible projects must align with the Connectivity Strategy's goals and demonstrate economic and social impacts that extend beyond mere connectivity, such as enabling economic development and improving access to education and healthcare.

Applicants should meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a Canadian corporation, public sector body, or an Indigenous entity capable of building and operating broadband infrastructure. The UBF encourages projects that leverage additional sources of funding from provincial, territorial, or private sector partners. Successful projects can receive up to 90% of their eligible project costs, particularly for initiatives in very remote or satellite-dependent communities and those benefiting Indigenous peoples.

The application process is structured to ensure transparency and accountability, requiring a detailed demonstration of project viability and sustainability. This includes providing comprehensive documentation, engaging in Indigenous consultations if applicable, and adhering to environmental impact assessments as part of project planning and execution. The government also mandates successful applicants to offer open network access and competitive pricing, reinforcing the fund's commitment to widespread, equitable connectivity enhancements.

In summary, the Universal Broadband Fund is a cornerstone of Canada's strategy to enhance digital inclusion by ensuring that rural and remote communities can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through substantial financial support and strategic partnerships, the UBF facilitates comprehensive solutions to connectivity challenges, ensuring that even the most isolated regions can participate fully in the digital economy.