High-speed Internet in First Nations communities: programs and funding
Find programs and funding that support high-speed Internet in First Nations communities.
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The plan to increase access to high-speed Internet
Many First Nations communities and rural or remote regions lack access to the same high-speed Internet infrastructure available in most urban areas.
As more services move online, First Nations communities need high-speed Internet to:
- participate in the digital economy
- operate and maintain community infrastructure
- deliver healthcare, education and emergency services
In 2019, the Government of Canada set a national connectivity target for Internet access at speeds of at least 50/10 Mbps in:
- 95% of homes and businesses by 2026
- 100% of homes and businesses by 2030
To meet this target, Budget 2019 announced up to $6 billion in rural broadband investments over the next 10 years, including:
- new investments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites
- the introduction of the Universal Broadband Fund
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous and corporate leaders to ensure that First Nations are included in rural broadband infrastructure networks and have the opportunity to obtain broadband internet access at speeds comparable to other Canadians.
ISC funding for high-speed Internet projects
First Nation Infrastructure Fund
Broadband connectivity projects on reserves are eligible to receive funding under the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF).
To be eligible, projects must align with at least one of the following:
- high-speed backbone transport networks
- broadband points of presence
- local access networks
- community satellite equipment including LEO technology
The FNIF doesn't fund:
- direct broadband connectivity connections to homes
- operations of a telecommunications company or direct service provider
- equipment for LEO satellite technology for individual homes or businesses
- equipment for institutions, homes, or businesses, such as computers, software, routers, internal cabling
eHealth
ISC's eHealth Infostructure Program (eHIP) provides digital health and virtual care technology to improve how healthcare is delivered to First Nations and Inuit communities. The connectivity element of ISC eHealth equips all on-reserve health facilities with broadband services including:
- connectivity installation at the health facility (from community point of presence)
- external network services including bridging, security and quality of service
- operations and support
- telecommunications equipment such as bridges, routers and servers
- monthly connectivity charges
- upgrading of connectivity equipment
High-speed Internet project funding from other government departments
Universal Broadband Fund
Supports broadband projects across Canada, particularly in rural and remote communities. (Currently closed for applications)
Broadband Fund
Intended to benefit all Canadians living in areas underserved by broadband Internet access and mobile wireless services.
Canada Infrastructure Bank
Provides low-cost, flexible financing for broadband projects to connect communities that would not otherwise be commercially viable.
Broadband projects for rural and northern communities
The Investing in Canada Plan Rural and Northern Communities stream supports projects that improve internet connectivity in rural and northern communities. (Currently closed for applications)
Accelerated Investment Incentive
Supports new private sector investments in rural high-speed internet by providing an enhanced first-year allowance for eligible property subject to the capital cost allowance (CCA) rules.
Mapping high-speed Internet connectivity
Check broadband internet availability in Canada: