CRTC officially releases its third call for Broadband Fund applications

The CRTC is now accepting applications for eligible transport infrastructure projects, mobile wireless infrastructure projects that provide or upgrade connectivity along major roads, and projects that increase satellite transport capacity in satellite-dependent communities. CRTC chair Ian Scott announced there would be a third call for the Broadband Fund during last week’s Canadian Telecom Summit. The commission officially launched the application process Wednesday afternoon. “The CRTC is placing increased emphasis on community consultation and resiliency,” the commission wrote in its release. “The telecommunications infrastructure required to provide the most efficient broadband service may vary, especially in remote areas and in areas with challenging terrain. Such infrastructure typically requires a considerable monetary investment while generating little direct revenue. The Broadband Fund aims at encouraging providers to build this infrastructure in such areas.” Applications received during this round will be assessed on the quality of consultation with each affected community and the degree to which proposed projects will improve the overall resiliency of new or existing infrastructure. In the release Scott stated that the CRTC is “pleased” with the Broadband Fund’s progress. Approximately $226.5 million has been dedicated to 49 projects in nine provinces and two territories. “There is still much to be done so that everyone in our vast country may be connected and participate in the digital economy. With a focus on transport, mobile, and satellite projects, we will connect even more remote areas across Canada,” Scott stated. To be eligible for funding for a transport project, an applicant must propose to build or upgrade transport infrastructure to an eligible community, defined as a small population centre with a population of fewer than 30,000 residents that is located at least two kilometres from a point of presence, with a minimum capacity of one gigabit per second. To be eligible for funding for a mobile wireless service project along major transportation roads, an applicant must propose to build or upgrade infrastructure to serve part of a major transportation road that does not have access to coverage by the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology. To be eligible for funding for a satellite transport capacity project, an applicant must propose to increase satellite transport capacity in a community that has no connection to terrestrially-based telecommunications facilities for connection to the public switched telephone network or the internet and that relies on satellite transport to receive one or more telecommunications services. The CRTC will approve applicants who have at least three years of experience deploying and operating broadband infrastructure in Canada. Applicants must invest financially in their project and demonstrate that it would not be viable without the support of the Broadband Fund. Applications must be submitted using the CRTC’s online application form by April 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. PST.

CRTC officially releases its third call for Broadband Fund applications

Brief | November 30, 2022

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CRTC officially releases its third call for Broadband Fund applications

Brief | November 30, 2022

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