Universal Broadband Fund – E-blast #5 – February 2021

Thank you to all applicants who have submitted an application(s) to the Rapid Response Stream (RRS) of the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). The application window for the RRS closed on January 15, 2021.

The deadline for submission of applications to the main UBF stream is February 15, 2021. This stream is open to all types of projects including large scale, high-impact projects, mobile projects benefiting Indigenous peoples, and broadband projects of different size and scope. All types of applicants with projects using different technologies are encouraged to submit applications.

The program has generated lots of interest, including from Indigenous groups and communities who have identified a need for faster and more reliable Internet service. Indigenous peoples are among the groups of Canadians most significantly impacted by the digital divide, with only 35% of Indigenous households or less served by high-speed internet against more than 87% for all Canadians. Many Indigenous stakeholders have had questions about the UBF's application process and criteria, and have sought support from the Pathfinder Service in seeking answers.

The UBF webinar series are great tools in helping Indigenous applicants understand the program requirements and criteria. Given the success of the webinars two (2) additional English sessions on "Developing a project in Indigenous communities" have been added to our series. These new sessions will be held on January 29 and February 9, 2021. We encourage all potential applicants with plans to service Indigenous communities to register by sending an email with the name(s) of interested participants and coordinates to get-connected@canada.ca. All upcoming webinars are listed on our Universal Broadband Fund: For applicants webpage.

Potential applicants to the main UBF stream are also invited to consult the details of the UBF Application guide and online frequently asked questions (FAQs) for information on program eligibility criteria, advice on how to fill out the requested documents and learn about other tools that can assist them in the development of their application.

We wish all applicants good luck in the submission of their application(s) to the program.

Still have questions? Contact us by email at get-connected@canada.ca or by telephone at 1-800-328-6189.