Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are we asking Canadians about their Internet access?
- How do I provide my feedback?
- How do I find my location on the map?
- Do I need to enter my exact address on the map?
- My address is an R.R. (Rural Route) number. Will that show up on the map?
- What happens to my address information after I search for my location? Is the government collecting this information? If not, how is my location recorded when I submit my feedback?
- When I go to my location summary page, there is a list of service providers, but my service provider is not on the list.
- Are the service providers on the list recommended by the government?
- Are the service providers on the list part of the broadband program?
- What are the divisions on the map?
- Why are hexagons used on the map?
- According to the maps, broadband service is available in my area. How do I sign up for it?
- When will broadband access be available in my region?
- What is the source of information presented on the maps?
- I need help completing the form.
- I would like to see one map of Canada showing broadband coverage across the country, rather than the smaller maps presented here. When will that be posted?
Disclaimer: The Government of Canada does not endorse any particular ISP and does not warrant (or represent) that the information herein is accurate.
1. Why are we asking Canadians about their Internet access?
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal Government announced $225 million to extend broadband coverage to as many unserved and underserved households as possible. As part of the program, we are seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of broadband coverage across Canada. You can help by telling us about your Internet access.
2. How do I provide my feedback?
Search for your location on the map and you will be directed to a summary page where you can access the feedback form. Please note that completing this form is voluntary. It will provide us with valuable information about the availability of high-speed Internet access. This process helps us identify areas where broadband service is not available; it does not, however, necessarily mean that services will be extended to all areas that currently lack broadband access.
3. How do I find my location on the map?
In the search field on the map, enter your address, city, town, municipality, or postal code. Entering your complete address is the most accurate way to perform the search.
4. Do I need to enter my exact address on the map?
You do not need to enter your exact address, but the more accurate you are, the more helpful your feedback will be.
5. My address is an R.R. (Rural Route) number. Will that show up on the map?
No. If your address is an R.R. number, please use your postal code to search for your location. Using the tool on the upper left-hand corner of the map, you can zoom in by clicking on the + sign, and zoom out by clicking on the – sign, to get a better view of your exact location.
6. What happens to my address information after I search for my location? Is the government collecting this information? If not, how is my location recorded when I submit my feedback?
No personal information is being collected in this process. Your address is linked to a unique numerical identifier and is therefore submitted anonymously.
7. When I go to my location summary page, there is a list of service providers, but my service provider is not on the list.
The service providers listed are facilities-based providers only. If you purchase your Internet service from a reseller, they will not be listed, but please include that information as indicated on the feedback form.
8. Are the service providers on the list recommended by the government?
No. The Government of Canada is not promoting any particular service provider. The list of providers serving a particular location is provided for information only.
9. Are the service providers on the list part of the broadband program?
No. The broadband program application process was launched on September 1, 2009; all applications meeting the criteria will be considered. The mapping is the first step is to get an accurate map of existing broadband coverage. The list of service providers displayed on the map is based on our research into existing broadband service availability across the country.
10. What are the divisions on the map?
The divisions you see on the map are hexagons. Each hexagon is divided into six triangles or sectors.
11. Why are hexagons used on the map?
Hexagons were chosen because they fit together continuously to cover the full area of the country. Each hexagon is roughly 25 square kilometres (3 km radius).
12. According to the maps, broadband service is available in my area. How do I sign up for it?
If you are interested in obtaining Internet service, you are encouraged to speak with providers in your area to determine which provider best meets your needs. In addition to the facilities-based providers, there may be a number of ISP resellers in your area.
If, after contacting the service providers in your area, you discover that you do not have broadband access, please complete the feedback form.
13. When will broadband access be available in my region?
The provision of broadband Internet service is a private enterprise, driven by market forces. However, sometimes market forces are not sufficient, particularly in rural and remote areas. Broadband Canada will not provide Internet service directly to consumers. Rather, the purpose of the program is to provide a one-time, non-repayable contribution to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure in areas where there is currently no business case for the private sector moving forward on its own.
On September 1, 2009, the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program launched its call for applications inviting ISPs to apply for funding to provide broadband service to those Canadians who are currently unserved. ISPs will have until October 23, 2009 to submit those applications. It is anticipated that successful applications for funding will be announced in January 2010.
However, Broadband Canada cannot guarantee which areas of the country will receive broadband coverage as a result of this program.
14. What is the source of information presented on the maps?
The information contained in the maps was compiled in consultation with the provinces and territories, the private sector, and other federal departments and agencies. Publicly available data was also used. Feedback received from ISPs and the public is also reflected in the maps. See the Hexagon Model Methodology for more information.
15. I need help completing the form.
If you are an individual and need help completing the form, please call 1-800-575-9200.
16. I would like to see one map of Canada showing broadband coverage across the country, rather than the smaller maps presented here. When will that be posted?
Due to the large amount of data necessary to present an accurate image of broadband coverage in Canada at this time, the national map must be represented in smaller files for posting on the website.
