Launched on July 22, 2014, the Connecting Canadians program is a key component of Digital Canada 150, the Government of Canada's plan to help guide our country's digital future.
Through Connecting Canadians, the Government will invest up to $305 million to address gaps in the delivery of high-speed Internet at speeds of at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps) to households in rural and remote areas across the country. The program also includes $50 million for a dedicated northern component targeting remote, satellite-dependent communities in Nunavut and the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, which was announced by Prime Minister Harper on August 25, 2014.
On October 15, 2014, Connecting Canadians began accepting applications from eligible Internet service providers (ISP). To help applicants identify areas with slower access in which to undertake projects to extend or enhance broadband coverage, Industry Canada has published updated Internet coverage maps on the Connecting Canadians website following an extensive mapping consultation with Canadians, ISPs, and provincial and territorial governments.
Until January 12, 2015, eligible ISPs can submit proposals for projects to extend or enhance Internet service to households that do not currently have access to high-speed Internet. The Connecting Canadians website provides an application tool kit to assist interested ISPs in completing the application process.
After the January 12, 2015, deadline for applications, projects will undergo a two-stage review process. The first stage will screen projects for eligibility, with successful projects proceeding to a more detailed assessment stage. Projects selected will best meet the objectives of the program. The Application Form, which is part of the tool kit, is designed to collect the information needed to evaluate projects against both the screening and assessment criteria. Detailed application requirements can be found in the Application Guidelines.
Conditionally approved projects will likely be announced in spring 2015. Following a final due diligence phase, contribution agreements with ISPs will be negotiated.
Projects may begin once agreements are signed, which could be as early as summer 2015. If required, a second call for applications may follow in winter 2015. Completion of projects on a timely basis is encouraged. All projects under the rural component of the program must be completed by March 31, 2019. For projects under the northern component, a solution must be in place by March 31, 2016, when the current satellite leases expire.
For more information on the program, please visit the Connecting Canadians website.
