Question Period Note: BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS

How does the broadband coverage map work, particularly for the Universal Broadband Fund?

• The National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map shows broadband and mobile coverage for all areas of Canada.

• Continual improvements to the collection of broadband coverage data to make maps more precise and detailed, allow coverage to now be shown by 250 metre road segments.

• Under the Universal Broadband Fund, any 250m rural road segment identified on the Map that does not show as having 50/10 Mbps coverage is eligible.

• ISED regularly conducts reviews of the coverage data and has an online form where Internet Service Providers can submit updated coverage information at any time.

SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGES

• Internet coverage information is collected and updated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) through ongoing consultation with Internet service providers, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, industry associations, provinces and territories and other stakeholders.

• The Map reflects the maximum advertised speeds that are available from Internet service providers at those locations. This data represents the best possible determination of service availability shown to the 250 metre road segment level; however, Canada is very large and some errors or omissions are possible.

• Canadian Internet service providers have supported this mapping initiative and work collaboratively to improve and correct any discrepancies.

The National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map (the Map), and its underlying data, is comprehensive and precise mapping data describing retail broadband Internet services and wholesale backbone infrastructure in Canada. This data is collected and used for the statistical measure of broadband Internet service availability in Canada as well as the administration of all Government of Canada broadband related contribution programs. A whole-of-government approach has been adopted to ensure mapping data reflects broadband funding from all federal government sources, including ISED, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Infrastructure Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Broadband coverage by speed is depicted in both hexagons and 250m road segments, depending on the layers chosen by the user and the map’s level of zoom. For example, hexagons enable users to quickly view general coverage information at the national or provincial level. As the map is zoomed in on particular areas, the road segment layer can be used to show coverage and speeds at a much more detailed level.

Using this data, the Universal Broadband Fund provides a user-friendly mapping tool to allow applicants to develop projects in underserved areas at the road segment level and submit them to the program easily.

Annually, ISED works with the CRTC to collect updated Internet coverage from Internet service providers and typically publishes updates to this coverage information on the National Broadband
Internet Service Availability Map and Eligibility Mapping Tool in August. The Map is also updated with new project information as it becomes available. Projects chosen under the Universal Broadband Fund will be added once a signed Contribution Agreement is in place.

Should discrepancies be noted, users should first contact the Internet service provider in question for initial verification. Once done, and if the information does appear to be inadequate, users can contact ISED for more information on next steps. The UBF program accepts the submission of project proposals where there is disputed broadband data speeds. Applicants must follow the guidance in the application guide; however, ISED cannot guarantee that mapping discrepancies can be resolved during the current call for applications.

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