CRTC Aims to Cut Red Tape for Indigenous High-Speed Internet Projects

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is looking to overhaul how it funds high-speed internet and cellphone service for Indigenous communities.

The regulator is asking for public feedback on how to make its $825 million Broadband Fund (different from the $3.2 billion Universal Broadband Fund run by ISED) funded by telecoms more accessible for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants.

Currently, while over 96% of Canadian households have access to high speed internet, that number drops to roughly 65% for those on First Nations reserves and 69% in the Territories. To date, the fund has helped connect 135 Indigenous communities, including a major project to bring high-speed access to all 25 communities in Nunavut.

The CRTC is now proposing several changes to speed up the process, including shorter application forms, more flexible deadlines, and less paperwork once a project is selected. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden that often slows down connectivity projects in remote areas.

“Many Indigenous communities still face a gap in access to essential communications services,” said Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson and CEO. “We are helping to close this gap by making it easier to get connected through the Broadband Fund.”

The problem here is laying down fibre to remote places for internet, which is expensive to build out. Instead, the government should leverage satellite internet services like Starlink, which can be set up in minutes. While the feds are backing Telesat’s Lightspeed satellite project for internet to the tune of a $2.14 billion taxpayer loan, it’s far from launching the service.

The public has until September 18, 2026, to provide comments online, through a video submission, writing in or sending a fax.