Funding programs
Last updated on February 6, 2024Access to reliable high-speed internet services for everyone in British Columbia is more important than ever before. It provides access to the services people count on, and the ability to work from home or start a business – even in rural and remote areas of the province.
Connecting Communities BC
Connecting Communities BC is the Province's funding program to support expansion of high-speed internet services to all remaining underserved households in B.C. by 2027.
On March 8, 2022, an agreement was announced between the provincial and federal governments to provide up to $830 million to support the expansion of high-speed internet services to the remaining rural and Indigenous communities who are underserved in the province. This funding supports a target to provide access to internet services for all households in B.C. with a minimum 50/10 Mbps by 2027, as well as a key item in the Declaration Act Action Plan to connect all First Nations communities to high-speed internet services by 2027. High-speed internet services will improve access to the services people in British Columbia count on, including education and healthcare, economic opportunities, and expanding the ability for local businesses to reach national and international markets.
Connecting British Columbia
The Province's former connectivity funding program, Connecting British Columbia program, is administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust. While the intake for applications for this program is now closed, many projects funded through the Connecting British Columbia program are now complete or in progress. Since 2017, the program has funded 184 projects benefitting more than 70,000 households in the province.
The Connecting British Columbia program has also provided funding for the expansion of cellular networks in B.C. $15 million has been allocated to improve cellular connectivity on highways which will support connecting 532 km of highway kilometres and 30 rest areas, including 252 kilometres and two rest areas along Highway 16 (as of August 2023).
Solving the problem of cellular gaps between communities along Highway 16 was among the Highway of Tears Symposium Report’s 33 recommendations aimed at enhancing safety for Indigenous women and girls. This recommendation from the symposium was echoed in the report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Investment in cellular connectivity for Highway 16 is key to ensure women, especially Indigenous women, who are not safe can call for help and receive the services they need to ensure their safety and security.
Funding to expand cellular service along highways
In March 2023, the Province announced an additional $75 million to fund expanding cellular service to an estimated 550 kilometres of highway by 2027. This funding program is now open, and cellular service providers who operate in B.C. have been invited to apply for funding through the Cellular Expansion Fund, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Other funding programs
Funding for connectivity projects comes from a variety of sources and may be available to assist with rural and remote community connectivity planning. Please note this list is not meant to be exhaustive.
Here are some additional organizations that offer funding:
See our Q and A page for more information and how to contact us.