Universal Broadband Fund — Rapid Response Stream
Canada
Funds to bring broadband to remote-area households
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation Canada
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution of up to $5 million to cover the costs of a shovel-ready broadband infrastructure project that will bring high-speed Internet at 50/10 Megabits per second to households in rural and remote communities.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are eligible projects for the Rapid Response Stream grant:
- Projects that can improve household access to high-speed Internet quickly
- Projects in rural and remote areas without 50/10 Mbps Internet service
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,640,000
Expanding wireless broadband infrastructure to remote communities around Kelowna
$1,830,000
Deploying satellite Internet services to isolated areas around Prince George
$1,375,000
Upgrading existing broadband infrastructure in farms around Fredericton
$2,050,000
Installing fiber-optic cables to enhance high-speed Internet access in rural areas around Barrie
$2,450,000
Laying underground cables to provide high-speed Internet in rural outskirts of Victoria
$1,020,000
Setting up community Wi-Fi networks in small villages near Windsor
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant was determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and project capabilities.
- The applicant had to be one of the following entities:
- A not-for-profit organization
- A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada
- A Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal entity
- A Band Council
- An Indigenous government authority
- A non-federal public sector body
- A partnership of any of the entities listed above
- Partners had to demonstrate their ability to develop broadband networks within the required timelines.
- Projects had to target areas where service speeds did not already meet 50/10 Mbps as per the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.
- Projects underway were eligible if they planned to expand or upgrade and not cover activities already in progress.
- Applicants had to demonstrate a need for public funding to initiate or scale up projects quickly.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Rapid Response Stream were organizations looking to improve household access to high-speed Internet, specifically targeting rural and remote areas in Canada. The eligible entities included:- A not-for-profit organization.- A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.- A Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal entity.- A Band Council.- An Indigenous government authority.- A non-federal public sector body.- A partnership of any of the entities listed above.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The following entities are not eligible:
- Individuals
- Foreign entities
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that aim to rapidly enhance Internet connectivity for underserved areas. Eligible activities focus on deploying infrastructure and connecting households to high-speed services efficiently.
- Deployment of physical broadband infrastructure.
- Connecting households to high-speed Internet services.
- Expansion or upgrade of existing Internet service projects, if not yet underway.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses necessary to improve household connectivity as part of broadband projects.
- Salaries and benefits of personnel directly engaged in the project.
- Costs of materials and equipment required for the development of broadband infrastructure.
- Payment for contractors and consultants necessary for project deployment.
- Expenses related to securing permits and licenses required for the project.
- Installation and construction costs for physical infrastructure.
- Customer premise equipment, such as satellite terminals, needed to make internet access available.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Rapid Response Stream were based on several factors to ensure that the projects met the urgent connectivity needs in rural and remote communities.
- Priority was given to complete applications submitted earlier in the process.
- Projects covering areas or households not currently serviced with 50/10Mbps speeds were prioritized.
- Applications were assessed based on the completeness and strength of the documentation provided.
- Organizations had to demonstrate strong managerial, financial, and technical expertise or experience.
- Applicants needed to have a track record of meeting deadlines and effectively managing previous projects.
- Projects needed to show secured or nearly secured necessary funding from other sources.
- Priority was given to projects proposing connections with speeds of at least 50/10Mbps.
- Readiness in terms of securing access to third-party passive infrastructure was considered.
- Projects already having secured municipal permits, or evidence of imminent approval, were prioritized.
- Efforts to ensure regional diversity and inclusion of Indigenous communities were considered.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Rapid Response Stream grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Documentation
- Complete the Rapid Response Stream Application form.
- Fill out the Rapid Response Stream Eligibility and Impacts Template.
- Compile the Rapid Response Stream Detailed Budget Template.
- Prepare the Rapid Response Stream Last-mile Internet Service Offerings document.
- Create project maps with the Eligibility Mapping Tool.
- Gather all supporting documents, including incorporation documents and financial statements for the last 3 years.
- Develop a project schedule, such as a Gantt chart.
- If applicable, secure an acknowledgment from any Indigenous community affected by the project.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Access the ISED Broadband Connection to upload your application and all supporting documents.
- Ensure all documentation is complete and accurately filled out.
- Submit the application package before the deadline.
- Step 3: Confirmation
- Check for confirmation of submission from the application portal.
- Keep a record of any submission confirmation for future reference.
Apply to this program
Enhancing Rural Connectivity through the Rapid Response Stream
The Rapid Response Stream was a targeted funding initiative aimed at providing high-speed Internet to rural and remote areas in Canada. This program played a crucial role in addressing the digital divide and ensuring that underserved regions received timely upgrades to their broadband infrastructure.
In-Depth Overview of the Rapid Response Stream
The Rapid Response Stream, an integral part of the Universal Broadband Fund, was launched by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to address the urgent need for improved Internet connectivity in Canada's rural and remote communities. The program focused on fast-tracking Internet infrastructure projects capable of delivering high-speed services to these regions where Internet speeds had not met the 50/10 Mbps benchmark. By prioritizing shovel-ready projects, the initiative sought to quickly bridge the technological gap and facilitate better access to online resources, crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work, learning, and socializing became the norm.
Funding for the Rapid Response Stream was capped at $5 million per project, with the aim of accelerating the development or enhancement of broadband networks in eligible regions. This funding was specifically targeted at projects that could demonstrate not only their readiness for rapid deployment but also their potential impact in terms of increasing household connectivity. The application process was uniquely structured to allow submissions on an ongoing basis until the cutoff date, prioritizing proposals that were complete and had secured a significant portion of the necessary resources to commence immediately.
The initiative stood out not only for its financial support but also for its inclusive approach towards different organizational structures, including not-for-profit organizations, for-profit corporations, various provincial, territorial, and municipal entities, and Indigenous communities. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Rapid Response Stream promoted innovative partnerships and a diversified portfolio of projects tailored to meet the unique needs of different communities.
One of the distinctive aspects of the Rapid Response Stream was its flexibility with respect to project types and regions. Although the primary goal was rapid deployment, the eligibility requirements and selection criteria also emphasized regional diversity and supported Indigenous initiatives. Projects were evaluated on their ability to deliver swift, sustainable, and high-quality Internet services, ensuring that funding was directed to the most promising initiatives capable of long-lasting impact.
Ultimately, the success of the Rapid Response Stream was measured by its ability to improve Internet connectivity for Canadian households in a relatively short period of time. The program not only laid the groundwork for future advancements in broadband infrastructure but also highlighted the importance of adaptable and responsive funding mechanisms in overcoming technological disparities and enhancing digital inclusivity across Canada.
The closure of the Rapid Response Stream application window marked a significant milestone in Canada’s broader strategy to achieve universal high-speed Internet access. While the Rapid Response Stream specifically addressed immediate needs, it also complemented ongoing efforts under the larger Universal Broadband Fund, which continues to support longer-term projects aimed at comprehensive connectivity solutions nationwide.
