Press Release
First call for applications targets Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and satellite-dependent communities
June 3, 2019 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
The CRTC today launched its first call for applications for the Broadband Fund. The CRTC is accepting applications for projects in the Canadian territories and satellite-dependent communities, where there is a great need for improved broadband Internet and mobile wireless services. The Broadband Fund will provide up to $750 million over five years to support projects in underserved areas.
According to the latest data, in the Canadian territories, no households have access to a broadband Internet service that meets the CRTC’s universal service objective and 72% of major roads are not covered by LTE (Long-term evolution or 4G) mobile wireless service. The digital divide is also evident in satellite-dependent communities across the country where there is no terrestrial connectivity.
Applicants that have at least three years’ experience deploying and operating broadband infrastructure in Canada may apply for funding for projects to build or upgrade access and transport broadband infrastructure or mobile wireless networks. Applicants must invest financially in their project and demonstrate that it would not be viable without the support of the Broadband Fund.
Other criteria, along with detailed information on how applications will be assessed, can be found in the Application Guide. Applications must be submitted using the CRTC’s form by October 3, 2019.
The CRTC will announce the selected projects from the first call for applications in 2020. A second call open to all regions in Canada will be launched this fall.
Quotes
“I am happy to announce that the CRTC is now accepting funding applications to improve Canadians’ access to broadband Internet and mobile wireless services in all satellite-dependent communities in Canada, and in the territories. Closing the digital divide to enable all Canadians to participate fully in the digital economy is of paramount importance. We are beginning by initially targeting the territories and satellite dependent communities where the need is great and will quickly address other regions later this year. We look forward to receiving and approving high-quality projects for Canadians living in underserved areas.”
– Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO, CRTC
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