CRTC — Broadband Fund

For organizations working to close Canada’s digital divide, expanding reliable broadband infrastructure can be both costly and complex, especially in rural, remote, and northern regions. The CRTC Broadband Fund was created to support projects that strengthen connectivity in communities that remain underserved, helping ensure residents and businesses have access to modern internet and mobile services comparable to urban areas.

Delivered by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, with involvement from federal partners such as Communications Security Establishment Canada, this national program provides non-repayable funding to support large-scale infrastructure investments. Projects may focus on upgrading transport network capacity to key points of presence, improving mobile wireless coverage along major transportation corridors, or increasing satellite transport capacity for communities that rely on satellite-based broadband. Funding levels vary by project scope and impact, but support is designed to cover a meaningful portion of eligible costs, making ambitious connectivity projects more feasible.

The fund is relevant to a range of organizations, including telecom providers, infrastructure operators, and other entities capable of delivering broadband solutions in challenging environments. Applications are generally accepted on an ongoing or periodic intake basis, depending on project type and priorities. For organizations considering a broadband expansion or upgrade project, reviewing the full program details through GrantHub can help determine whether the CRTC Broadband Fund aligns with your technical plans and long-term investment goals.