First Nations connectivity and connectivity funding FAQs

The National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map shows the available speeds and service providers in your area. The provincial map shows provincially funded projects that are completed and underway to serve the people and communities of B.C.

The First Nations Technology Council’s BC First Nations Community Internet Connectivity report documents the current state of connectivity for BC First Nations. 

The Community Digital Development (CDD) branch is available to respond to inquiries about connectivity and telecommunications in your area.
Reach out to the CDD branch at connectedcommunities@gov.bc.ca.

In Canada, telecommunications companies are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Visit the lower-cost subscription programs webpage to learn more about the funding programs available to improve connectivity in communities across the province.

For more information, please reach out to the Community Digital Development (CDD) branch. They work with communities and assist with action planning, networking, and provide connectivity and telecommunications industry knowledge and navigation.

Reach out to the CDD branch at connectedcommunities@gov.bc.ca. 

Provincial funding programs

There are several funding programs available to improve connectivity across the province, including: 

• Connecting Communities BC 
  Connecting Communities BC is the Province's funding program to expand high-speed internet services to all remaining underserved households in B.C. by 2027. Funded projects will meet the federal minimum target of 50/10 Mbps and fund the province's commitment to connect all remaining First Nations communities.

• Cellular Expansion Fund (CEF)
  The goal of the CEF is to provide funding to eligible projects that will deliver 550 kilometres of new cellular connectivity along highways by March 31, 2027.

Visit the connectivity funding programs page to learn more about the programs that fund projects that improve connectivity.

Federal funding programs

Additional funding programs that are available across Canada, include:

• First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF)
  The FNIF helps First Nations communities upgrade and increase public infrastructure. This infrastructure will improve the quality of life in First Nations communities. The FNIF supports a wide range of infrastructure projects on reserves, Crown land or land the use and benefit of First Nations.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ICS) - Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP)
  The CORP provides funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities to support economic opportunities. The CORP supports First Nation and Inuit communities, to submit funding proposal.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ICS) - Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) Program
  The P&ID Program supports First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core government functions. It funds governance-related projects at the community and institutional levels.

• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) - Broadband Fund
  CRTC's Broadband fund supports infrastructure projects that provide Internet access services in eligible underserved areas across Canada. 

For more information about funding programs to help improve connectivity in your community, please contact connectedcommunities@.gov.bc.ca.