Tag: Broadband Fund

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Mobile Syrup

CRTC launches consultation to improve Broadband Fund

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is looking to make it easier for internet and mobile services projects to secure funding.

The Commission has launched a review of the Broadband Fund, a source that helps pay for projects bringing high-speed internet access and mobile services to Canadians. The CRTC says it wants to make the process “faster and easier.”

“Canadians need access to high-quality internet and mobile services for every part of our daily lives,” Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson of the CRTC, said. “By making changes to our Fund, we can help to connect even more Canadians to the services they need.”

The Commission is also looking to create a funding stream specifically for Indigenous communities and projects focusing on rural and remote networks.

Canadians have until July 21st to submit a comment. Interested parties can complete the online form or fax (819) 994-0218. Canadians can also send written responses to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2.

Source: CRTC

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Mobile Syrup

CRTC now accepting third round of Broadband Fund applications

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has opened another round of applications for the Broadband Fund.

The fund pays for projects to improve broadband internet and mobile wireless services across Canada.

This is the CRTC’s third call for funding. The commission is specifically looking for applications concerning transport infrastructure projects, wireless infrastructure projects focusing on connectivity along major roads, and projects that increase satellite transport capacity.

The CRTC says its focusing on applicants consultations with the communities their projects will impact and how the proposed plans will improve infrastructure resillency.

The deadline to submit applications is April 18th, 2023, 5pm PST.

Applicants need three years experience operating broadband infrastructure in Canada. They will be required to invest in the project, and demonstrate that it can’t be completed without support from the fund.

The CRTC will award $750 million over five years.

The fund has paid for various projects in the past, including the roll out of LTE or LTE-A across 425 kilometres of roads and highways.

Source: CRTC

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Mobile Syrup

CRTC’s Broadband Fund to pay $20.5 million for 10 wireless and internet projects

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has allocated millions of dollars to 10 projects that will improve wireless and internet services in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Quebec.

The projects will see fourth-generation mobile wireless access (known as LTE or LTE-A) rollout across 425 kilometres of roads and highways. The funds will also support improved internet and mobile wireless access to 2,250 households in 35 communities.

The CRTC allocated $20.5 million through the Broadband Fund, a pool of money that supports mobile wireless and internet access projects in underserved areas.

Bell received funding for four projects that will benefit Manitoba and Quebec.

Sichuun Inc., with Naskapi Imuun Inc. and Redline Communications Inc., received funding for one project to benefit Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sogetel Mobilité inc. received funding for one project benefiting Quebec. Telus received funding for four projects, also for Quebec.

Construction for most of the 10 projects will start later this year or early 2023.

The CRTC first started accepting applications for the fund in 2019. With this announcement, the CRTC has committed $226.5 million to upgrade services in 205 communities.

The 10 projects reported here are the results of the CRTC’s second round of applications.

“Since the first funding announcement from the Broadband Fund in 2020, more communities, households, and roads have access to better and faster internet and voice services. These services are an important part of Canada’s public safety infrastructure,” Ian Scott, CRTC’s chairperson and CEO, said.

Source: CRTC