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| The Programs |
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About Us
The Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program
was created to assist those communities without broadband access. Most
often, improved access is necessary in First Nations, northern and rural
communities in order to provide services in the areas of health and
education, as well as to augment economic opportunities. The Broadband
Pilot Program conducted two rounds of business plan development funding,
followed by two rounds of implementation funding, each with a
competitive call by Industry Canada for the submission of applications
from interested communities throughout Canada.
Under the two rounds of business plan development funding, 154 projects,
representing approximately 2,285 communities*, were selected
to receive up to $30,000 each to develop business plans that outlined
their vision for the application of high-capacity Internet services. In
total, $4.2 million was invested in the development of business plans.
Under the two rounds of implementation funds, 63 projects, representing
approximately 900 communities*, were selected to negotiate
funding agreements with Industry Canada to deploy broadband services to
their communities for a total investment of $80 million.
All submissions for funding were assessed by the National
Selection Committee and included rating submissions from the
provinces and territories.
PLEASE NOTE: No additional rounds of funding are
planned under the Broadband Pilot Program at present.
*The total number of communities listed has been defined by
the Program. While communities can self-define, not all Canadian
communities are recognized by Statistics Canada, as some are too small
or have amalgamated. As such, the total number of impacted communities
determined by the Broadband Program, based on Statistics Canada 2001
census dissemination areas and Canada Post naming conventions, differs
from the number of applicant-defined communities for the purposes of
program measurement. For successful Phase 1 Business Plan Development
projects, the number of successful communities as defined by the
community champions themselves is 2,028. For successful Phase 2
Implementation projects the number of successful communities as defined
by the community champions themselves is 1,380. In addition, the number
of communities for Implementation funding is subject to change pending
negotiations of financial agreements with each successful applicant.
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