The CRTC Broadband Fund supports projects that expand or improve broadband connectivity in underserved areas of Canada. Through Call 4, funding is available for projects that provide new or upgraded fixed broadband Internet service that meets or exceeds 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds, as well as certain projects serving satellite-dependent communities. The program aims to advance universal access to reliable high-speed Internet, prioritize efficient use of public funding, and reduce duplication with other publicly funded broadband initiatives.

Objectives

• Increase the number of Canadian households with access to reliable high-speed Internet services that meet or exceed 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
• Advance the universal service objective of connecting 100% of Canadian households to fixed broadband Internet service.
• Support efficient use of public funding.
• Minimize broadband infrastructure overbuild and duplication of funding.

Eligible Activities

• Construction of new fixed broadband infrastructure delivering at least 50/10 Mbps service.
• Upgrades to existing broadband infrastructure to achieve 50/10 Mbps service levels.
• Projects serving eligible underserved geographic areas.
• Satellite-dependent community projects that increase satellite transport capacity (operational expenses).
• Construction or upgrading of earth station equipment.
• Construction or upgrading of access infrastructure serving satellite-dependent communities.

Ineligible Activities

• Projects located in areas that already have access to 50/10 Mbps broadband service.
• Projects located in areas already funded through other public broadband programs where service deployment is expected.
• Projects that do not serve eligible geographic areas identified through Broadband Fund eligibility mapping.
• Activities that do not improve broadband connectivity in underserved communities.