Funding programs
Last updated on June 26, 2026
Learn about the funding programs available to improve connectivity in communities across the province.
On this page​
Connecting Communities BC
Connecting Communities BC (CCBC) is the Province’s primary funding program to expand high-speed internet access to underserved households across British Columbia.
Through a joint federal–provincial investment of up to $830 million, the program supports projects that bring reliable, high-speed connectivity to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Funded projects are designed to meet or exceed the national target of 50/10 Mbps and advance government’s commitment to connect all remaining First Nations communities.
Program status:
Application intake is currently closed.
Stay engaged:
Communities, service providers, and partners are encouraged to contact the program to discuss project concepts, readiness, and future opportunities.
Connecting British Columbia
The Connecting British Columbia program is the Province's previous funding program before Connecting Communities BC. It is administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust. Applications for this program are closed and projects are in progress or complete. The program has funded 183 projects since 2017 that will benefit more than 65,000 households in B.C.
The Connecting British Columbia program has also funded the expansion of cellular networks in B.C. It allocated $15 million to improve cellular connectivity on highways. This will connect 440 km of highway and 28 rest areas. This includes 260 km and two rest areas along Highway 16.
Connecting cellular gaps between communities along Highway 16 is one of the Highway of Tears Symposium Report’s 33 recommendations. This recommendation was echoed in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' report. Investing in cellular connectivity on Highway 16 is part of ensuring the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people.
Funding to expand cellular service along highways
In March 2023, the Province announced $75 million to expand cellular service to an estimated 440 km of highway. This funding program is now open, and cellular service providers operating in B.C. have been invited to apply for funding through the Cellular Expansion Fund, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Next Generation 911 funding
In March 2023, the Province announced a $150-million investment. It will fund upgrades to B.C.’s 911 emergency communications system. The system is old and no longer works well with new technologies. The upgrades to Next Generation 911 will let people choose how to contact 911. They can use new options, like real-time text and caller location.
E-Comm 9-1-1 handles 99 per cent of B.C.’s 911 calls. It is leading Next Generation 911’s implementation in most B.C. cities. The Province has invested $150 million. This helps offset local governments' costs for moving to Next Generation 911. The investment is divided into two parts.
- E-Comm 9-1-1 has received $90 million for technological upgrades
- The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has received $60 million. This money is for costs such as staffing, training, and quality checks
For more details, see the Province's news release.
Other funding programs
Funding for connectivity projects comes from many sources. It may be available to help with planning for connectivity in rural and remote communities.
Here are some additional organizations that offer funding:
Contact information
connectedcommunities@gov.bc.ca