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Source URL: rmalberta.com/news/third-phase-of-crtc-broadband-fund-now-open/

Third Phase of CRTC Broadband Fund Now Open

Applications will be accepted until April 18, 2023

The CRTC has announced the third phase of their Broadband Fund is now accepting applications. The CRTC’s Broadband Fund makes $750 million available over a five-year period. While this third phase is not additional funding, it is a promising development in delivering committed funds to broadband development.

The third phase focuses specifically on the following types of projects:

  • transport infrastructure projects,
  • mobile wireless infrastructure projects that provide or upgrade mobile connectivity along major roads, and
  • projects that increase satellite transport capacity (operational costs) in satellite-dependent communities.

The CRTC is placing increased emphasis on community consultation and resiliency. This means that when assessing the projects submitted under this call, the CRTC will use increased weighting of both the quality of consultation with each affected community, and the degree to which proposed projects will improve the overall resiliency of new or existing infrastructure. Applications must be submitted using the CRTC’s online application form by April 18, 2023, at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Applications submitted for the first and second calls for applications will not be considered in the third call. However, applications may be updated and re-submitted if they are eligible for funding for this call for applications. An applicant will only be notified when an application is approved for funding.

The telecommunications infrastructure required to provide the most efficient broadband service may vary, especially in remote areas and in areas with challenging terrain. Such infrastructure typically requires a considerable monetary investment while generating little direct revenue. The Broadband Fund aims to encourage providers to build this infrastructure in such areas.

Applicants must have at least three years’ experience deploying and operating broadband infrastructure in Canada and must invest financially in their project and demonstrate that it would not be viable without the support of the Broadband Fund.

Other criteria, along with detailed information on how applications will be assessed, can be found in the Application Guide.

Warren Noga
Policy Advisor
780.955.4079
warren@RMAlberta.com   

Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com