Connectivity FAQ

Telecommunications in Canada is federally regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services are a newer option for households in rural and remote areas. There is one company today that offers a LEO satellite solution in B.C., Starlink, with others expected to be available in the next few years. Satellite technology is evolving quickly, and more information about the quality, coverage, and cost of these services will become available as more come into operation. Satellite options can be a good interim solution for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas.

The Provincial Government supports the expansion of connectivity into rural and Indigenous communities through funding programs, and supporting Indigenous and local governments and regional districts with their infrastructure planning.

On March 8, the Governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest up to $830 million to support connectivity infrastructure projects that will improve access to high-speed internet for underserved rural communities and First Nations in B.C. This builds on investments to date and includes $289 million announced in Budget 2022.

To find out about completed projects and projects in progress funded by the Province, see our interactive maps.

Internet speeds can vary across Canada. Details on the types of service available in an area can be found on the federal National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. In 2017, the CRTC set a standard for internet speeds at 50/10 Mbps.

There are a few steps you can take toward advocating for better internet or cellular services in your area. You can reach out to your local regional district and enquire about any connectivity planning which may be underway in your region. A good contact to ask for at the regional district is your area director or economic development officer.

You can also contact service providers directly to provide your feedback and ask about plans for improving services in your area. You can find a list of service providers operating in your region on the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.

The Government of Canada recently expanded Connecting Families, an initiative supported by service providers that aims to connect hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and families to affordable high-speed home Internet. Starting in 2022, 13 service providers across the country (including TELUS, Bell and Rogers) will offer 200 GB of data usage for $20 a month with no equipment or installation fees. It is anticipated that eligible households will receive a letter from the Government of Canada.

TELUS offers Mobility for Good, which supports youth ageing out of foster care and low-income seniors with free or discounted phones and rate plans.

Rogers Communications also offers a Connected for Good program.

You can contact service providers directly to provide your feedback and ask about plans for improving services in your area. If you have a complaint about services you receive, you can contact the federal Commission for Complaints for Television-Telecom Services

There are several organizations that you can reach out to if you are having issues with your telecommunications services:

• Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services
• Better Business Bureau
• Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians from environmental risks, including those posed by exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy - the kind of energy given off by various electronic devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi, as well as broadcasting and cell phone towers through Safety Code 6

Please see the federal government’s website on Radiofrequency (RF) Energy and Health for more information.

Health Canada has a guideline, known as Safety Code 6 (SC6), which recommends limits for safe human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy.