Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians

Broadband

Program Update

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, funding was provided to Industry Canada to develop and implement a strategy to extend broadband coverage. By far the biggest component of this strategy was the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program. Broadband internet access is viewed as essential infrastructure for participating in today's economy, as it enables citizens, businesses and institutions to access information, services and opportunities that could otherwise be out of reach.

The Broadband Canada Program operated from June 2009 until April 2012. Through the Program, the Government of Canada provided broadband access to 218,000 Canadian households that previously did not have it.

Though most projects were completed by March 31, 2012, some are still in various states of construction. All projects are scheduled to be completed by fall 2012.