CRTC Expands Broadband Fund to Mitigate Service Outages in Rural and Indigenous Communities — Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Event summary

CRTC is enhancing the Broadband Fund to support projects that reduce the risk and impact of Internet and cellphone service outages.
The fund has already improved services in over 320 communities, including 135 Indigenous communities.
CRTC is accepting funding proposals until October 15, 2026.
The fund has connected over 54,000 homes and built approximately 6,000 kilometres of fibre to communities.

The big picture

The CRTC's expansion of the Broadband Fund reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. This move aligns with broader government efforts to ensure reliable connectivity, which is critical for emergency services and economic development. The focus on reducing service outages underscores the growing importance of infrastructure reliability in the digital age.

What we're watching

Funding Allocation: The pace at which the CRTC will allocate the Broadband Fund to resiliency projects and the impact on service reliability.
Indigenous Collaboration: The effectiveness of the CRTC's collaboration with Indigenous groups in ensuring equitable access to high-speed Internet and cellphone services.
Regulatory Impact: How the CRTC's policy changes will influence the broader telecommunications sector and service providers' strategies.