GATINEAU – The CRTC today launched its first call for applications for the Broadband Fund.
CRTC chair Ian Scott made the announcement at the Canadian Telecom Summit on Monday, saying the Commission is now accepting applications for projects in the the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as satellite-dependent communities in the territories, northern parts of British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and in parts of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
The Broadband Fund will provide up to $750 million over five years to support projects in regions where there is a great need for improved broadband Internet and mobile wireless services.
The CRTC's universal service objective for fixed Internet access service is that all Canadians have access to at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload, with an option of unlimited data – and for mobile wireless services that all Canadians have access to the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology (currently LTE) which should be accessible in homes, businesses and along major roads.
The fund is designed to complement private-sector investments and public-sector initiatives and up to 10% of the annual total will be provided to satellite-dependent communities that do not have any terrestrially based telecommunications facilities.
A comparative selection approach will be used to evaluate and select projects for funding, which will be conducted in a three-step process: eligibility, assessment and selection. Special consideration may be given to projects proposing to improve service in Indigenous or official-language minority communities.
The CRTC's goal is to achieve 90% coverage by the end of 2021 and 100% as soon as possible within the next decade, says the release.
“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,” reads the CRTC press release.
Applicants which 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, explains the release.
Applications must be submitted 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.
