Universal Broadband Fund — Rapid Response Stream
At a glance
- Max. $5,000,000
- Unspecified
- All industries
- Science and Economic Development Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria for the Rapid Response Stream grant include:
- Applicants must be a not-for-profit organization, for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada, Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal entity, Band Council, Indigenous government authority, non-federal public sector body, or a partnership of the listed entities.
- Applicants or their partners must demonstrate the ability to develop broadband networks in areas without 50/10 Mbps service according to the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for this grant include not-for-profit organizations, for-profit corporations incorporated in Canada, Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal entities, Band Councils, Indigenous government authorities, non-federal public sector bodies, and partnerships of any of the listed entities.
- Not-for-profit organization
- For-profit corporation incorporated in Canada
- Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal entity
- Band Council
- Indigenous government authority
- Non-federal public sector body
- Partnership of any of the entities listed above
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The following entities are not eligible:
- Individuals
- Foreign entities
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Costs related to deploying physical infrastructure for high-speed Internet service
- Equipment and materials necessary for connecting households
- Human resources and labor costs for project implementation
- Dependent costs such as permits and licenses
- Deployment expenses for Last Mile Internet Service Offerings
- Other project-related expenses approved in the detailed budget template
Eligible projects & activities
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
Evaluation & selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Applications were assessed on a rapid basis as they were submitted and approved while the intake period was ongoing.
- Prioritization was given to stronger and complete applications.
- Consideration was given to the completeness of documentation, meeting program requirements, organizational expertise, funding status, deployment speed, access to necessary infrastructure, and municipal permits.
- Efforts were made to ensure regional diversity and availability of funding for Indigenous communities.
- Projects were evaluated based on their ability to be quickly deployed with secured resources and permits.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria and ensure your organization meets the requirements
- Step 2: Gather all required documentation including the Rapid Response Stream Application form, Eligibility and Impacts Template, Detailed Budget Template, Last-mile Internet Service Offerings, Project maps, and supporting documents
- Step 3: Submit your application package within the prescribed timeframe
Rapid Response Stream Overview
The Rapid Response Stream, part of the Universal Broadband Fund, aimed to enhance household access to high-speed Internet swiftly by funding shovel-ready projects. The program supported initiatives to bring improved connectivity to rural and remote areas lacking 50/10 Mbps service.
Understanding the Rapid Response Stream
The Rapid Response Stream was established to address urgent connectivity needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on quickly deploying broadband infrastructure to enhance service for Canadian households. Unlike the main Universal Broadband Fund, the RRS was specifically dedicated to household connectivity, with a funding cap of $5 million and expedited project timelines.
Applicants underwent a rapid assessment process, prioritizing complete applications to ensure timely project selections. The program sought projects that could be deployed rapidly, requiring all necessary resources secured and permits obtained promptly. The eligibility criteria included various types of organizations, emphasizing the importance of serving communities without adequate Internet access.
Projects underway or new initiatives capable of scaling up with public funding support were eligible, with an emphasis on serving regions lacking 50/10 Mbps service. The application process involved submitting specific documentation within specified timeframes, including detailed budgets, project coverage maps, and supporting materials. The stream encouraged early project initiation but cautioned that costs incurred before finalizing agreements might not be covered.
Consideration was given to the diversity of applicants, community types targeted, and regional distribution of projects to ensure equitable access to broadband improvements. The RRS sought to expedite broadband deployment and bolster connectivity for Canadians during a critical time, emphasizing the need for shovel-ready projects that could quickly enhance Internet services.
