Connectivity and partnerships
Find out about the initiatives taken to ensure Indigenous communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet.
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The plan to increase connectivity
Reliable high-speed internet is an essential tool for all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples. As more businesses and government services move online, it is imperative that Indigenous communities have access to rapid and reliable high-speed internet. Increased internet speeds:
- provide opportunities for First Nations to fully participate in the modern digital economy
- allow for the effective operation and maintenance of vital community infrastructure
- enhance the delivery of important services such as healthcare, education and emergency and public safety services
In 2019, the Government of Canada set a national connectivity target for Canadian homes and businesses to have access to internet at speeds of at least 50/10 Mbps:
- 95% of homes and businesses by 2026
- 100% by 2030
To meet this commitment, Budget 2019 announced up to $6 billion in rural broadband over the next 10 years, including new investments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and the introduction of the Universal Broadband Fund.
The government’s plan to ensure all Canadian households have access to high speed, affordable and reliable broadband by 2030 is outlined in Canada’s Connectivity Strategy.
For many Canadians residing in urban centres, access to rapid and reliable internet is already a reality. However many rural and remote regions of Canada remain underserved and lack the connectivity infrastructure needed to make high-quality fixed broadband services available to households and businesses at speeds similar to those in urban areas. This is the case for many First Nations communities.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, along with provincial and territorial governments, 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.
First Nations Infrastructure Fund
Broadband connectivity projects on reserves are eligible to receive funding under ISC’s First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF). FNIF provides funding to improve the quality of life and the environment for First Nations communities by addressing the long standing infrastructure gaps on reserves in 8 project categories, including connectivity.
In order to be eligible to receive funding from FNIF, connectivity 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
The following costs are outside of the FNIF mandate for funding:
- direct broadband connectivity connections to homes
- operations of a telecommunications company or direct service provider
For more information about the fund:
eHealth
ISC's eHealth provides digital health tools in support of virtual care in 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 of bridges, routers and servers
- monthly connectivity charges
- upgrading of connectivity equipment
For more information about eHealth:
Other initiatives and programs
ISED Universal Broadband Fund
Currently under development, The Universal Broadband fund will support broadband project across the country, particularly in rural and remote communities.
CRTC Broadband Fund
Apply to the $750 million fund to provide fixed and mobile wireless broadband Internet access services. Deadlines vary.
Canada Infrastructure Bank
Access $1 billion in innovative loans and equity committed in Budget 2019 and partner with the Canada Infrastructure Bank for new broadband infrastructure.
Broadband projects for rural and northern communities
Learn more about the Investing in Canada Plan: Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure.
Accelerated Investment Incentive
The Accelerated Investment Incentive is supporting new private sector investments in rural high-speed internet.
Mapping broadband connectivity
ISC is working closely with other federal departments and organizations to support the creation of national mapping tools that illustrate the availability of broadband internet services to Canadians across the country.
To see these interactive tools:
Related links
- Connecting all Canadians to high-speed Internet
- CRTC - Closing the Broadband Gap
- Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada - Report on Connectivity in Rural and Remote Areas
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Connect to Innovate
- Broadband connectivity in rural Canada: overcoming the digital divide (PDF)
- Telecom regulatory policy