The government set targets for universal 50Mbps access.
Background: Canadian institutions have recently taken steps to improve connectivity in the country. In the Economic Statement of Autumn 2018, the government introduced an Accelerated Investment Incentive through which telcos aim to invest CAD1bn (USD749m) on internet access to underserved areas. Provinces and territories such as Nova Scotia and British Columbia also made broadband investments, and the regulator CRTC launched a five-year Broadband Fund worth CAD750m (USD562m) for fixed and mobile broadband to unserved communities.
The government’s pledge: In the newly announced Budget 2019, the government is setting a national target in which 95% homes and businesses, everywhere in the country, will have access to 50/10Mbps speeds by 2026, with full coverage to be reached by 2030.
How will they do this? The government proposes a plan to deliver between CAD5bn (USD3.74bn) and CAD6bn (USD4.49bn) investment in rural broadband over the next 10 years. Of these, CAD1.7bn (USD1.27bn) should come from the Connect To Innovate program, and from the launch of a new Universal Broadband Fund to extend backbone infrastructure to underserved areas. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will also seek to invest up to CAD1bn (USD749m) in 10 years, and leverage at least CAD2bn (USD1.5bn) in private capital.
