Universal Broadband Fund
In its 2019 Budget, the federal government committed to the creation of a national connectivity strategy, in conjunction with additional funding for broadband projects in Canada. As well as topping up a number of existing broadband funding initiatives, including the Connect to Innovate program and the CRTC’s Broadband Fund, the High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy also created the Universal Broadband Fund, with an initial investment of $1.75 billion over six years158. In subsequent federal budgets, investments in the Universal Broadband Fund were increased to $2.75 billion. The strategy also set the goal of achieving 98% access to 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload in Canada by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
Eligibility for the Universal Broadband Fund is determined using the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map159. Any project existing within a 250 m road segment that does not have access to 50/10 Mbps internet is deemed eligible for UBF funding — provided the project delivers a minimum 50/10 Mbps connection speed and provides open access to Points of Presence. As of June 2021, Alberta has received $5,303,762 in funding for broadband projects from the Universal Broadband Fund, serving a total of 12,259 households160.
CRTC Broadband Fund
CRTC Wholesale Rates Regulations
CRTC Regulatory Policy 2016-496: Universal Service Objective
References
158Government of Canada. High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy. Accessed 15 June 2021.
159ISED. National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. Accessed 15 June 2021.
160Government of Canada. Selected Universal Broadband Fund Projects. Accessed 16 June 2021.