Federal Universal Broadband Fund expansion

Multi-billion dollar fund aims to end Canada's digital divide - Dec 10, 2020

OAKVILLE - November 10, 2020: The Federal government announced today that they are expanding funding for their Universal Broadband Fund to 1.75 billion. This will result in accelerated infrastructure expansion and help improve internet access for underserved communities across the country.

Additional funding for the Universal Broadband Fund is welcome news for ISP's who offer Internet service in rural areas such as SkyChoice as it will increase availability of their WiFibe service in more rural areas.

The Universal Access Fund includes the following 3 components:
- Up to $50 million available to support mobile Internet projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking.
- Up to $750 million available for large impact projects.
- Up to $150 million available as part of their Rapid Response Stream for projects that can be implemented on or before November 2021.

Today, high-speed Internet access is essential for all Canadians, no matter where they live. It is necessary to telework, to access on-line medicine, for distance learning and more. It helps businesses thrive, no matter where they are located, and it ensures that rural Canadians can transition smoothly to the digital economy. But there is a connectivity gap — Canadians living in rural and remote areas have less access to high-speed Internet than those living in urban areas.

That is why the Government of Canada launched the Universal Broadband Fund, which is designed to meet the needs of those living in rural and remote communities.

About SkyChoice Communications
Since 2013, SkyChoice has been offering innovative and value added television, home phone and high speed Internet services across Canada. In addition to DSL and Cable, SkyChoice also offers Internet service direct to the home or business via its own WiFibe wireless fiber network which continues to expand on a regular basis. For more information, please visit: www.skychoice.ca