About the Program

The Broadband Program is an applications based program to make broadband service available to as many unserved and underserved households as possible. Broadband is defined as a minimum 1.5Mbps.

How does it work?

Industry Canada undertook an extensive mapping exercise in order to understand the extent to which Canadians remain unserved or underserved. Based on the mapping data, Geographic Service Areas (GSAs) were defined and a competitive call for applications was open from September 1, 2009 to October 23, 2009, to fund projects in the GSAs. Applicants to the program could receive up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Who is eligible?

Eligible recipients were the private sector or consortiums of companies, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial/territorial entities that build and operate broadband infrastructure.

What are the next steps?

Since May 9, 2010, a total of 77 projects for up to $110 million in federal funding have been announced as conditionally approved.  These 77 projects, in 9 provinces and territories across Canada, will bring broadband Internet access to an estimated 220 000 households.  More projects will be announced in the near future.

Please Note: As these projects have received conditional approval only, funding amounts and the number of households connected are subject to change as Contribution Agreements are signed.