Broadband and Cellular Expansion

Overview of the Broadband and Cellular Expansion program:

The Broadband and Cellular Expansion Program, administered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is a strategic funding initiative aimed at expanding access to reliable high-speed internet and mobile cellular services in Northern Ontario. Recognizing that connectivity is critical to economic growth, education, public safety, and quality of life, this program supports the planning, development, and implementation of broadband and cellular infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas.

Benefits of the Broadband and Cellular Expansion program:

• Up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $1 million per project with targeted funding, on average, of $500 per dwelling in the coverage area. In some cases, this amount might be higher if the existing network cant support the required speeds, but it cant be used to overbuild existing network infrastructure. Projects that deliver speeds of 50 Mbps or more can receive up to $1,500 per dwelling.

Eligibility criteria of the Broadband and Cellular Expansion program:

• Eligible Applicants:
  • Municipalities or regional governments in Northern Ontario
  • Indigenous communities and organizations
  • Non-profit corporations
  • Private sector companies, including internet service providers (ISPs), if partnered with communities
• Program Requirements
• The maximum amount of funding from all government sources will not exceed 90%.
• A copy of a map and identification of property defining the geographic coverage of cellular or broadband projects must be provided with the proposal to NOHFC.
• Applicants must provide an overview of the network design to demonstrate that it can support the delivery of speeds to customers as outlined in applications.
• Eligible Projects:
  • Projects improving internet and cellular service in areas with internet speeds below 25 Mbps;
  • Projects providing at least 25 Mbps of internet speed at a price similar to what nearby urban residents pay;
  • Projects expanding cellular coverage along the Trans-Canada and Kings Highways; and
  • At least 85% of the funding must be used for infrastructure like towers, antennas, electronics, and site buildings related to broadband or cellular services.