Connect All the Unconnected Canadians!

Access to high-speed Internet isn’t equal for all Canadians. While most urban areas enjoy reliable connections, about 40% of rural Canada and nearly 60% of First Nations communities remain UNCONNECTED.1,2

Today, high-speed Internet is a necessity, not a luxury. Without it, people miss out on job opportunities, healthcare information, crucial news, education or benefits of the modern economy.

No Canadian should be left on the wrong side of the digital divide. Sign this petition to urge the government to bring affordable high-speed Internet to EVERY Canadian!

To: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

High-speed Internet is still out of reach for too many Canadians, and our government must bridge the gap. Too many Canadians cannot afford high-speed service, and too many rural, remote, and First Nations communities cannot get service at any price. This isn’t just about convenience—it's about equal opportunity and a fair society. 

We urge you to expand and accelerate the Universal Broadband Fund, and guarantee every Canadian high-speed Internet at a price they can afford.

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What’s the current situation?

Since 2019, Canadians have been promised we’ll all one day have access to high-speed Internet, defined by the CRTC as 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) download, and 10 Mbps upload. The government currently plans to get us there by 2030; but there are still MAJOR gaps and challenges on the way.3,4 While urban areas are mostly connected, many rural and remote areas, most First Nations communities, and even low-income neighbourhoods in cities are being left behind.5,6 And there’s no guarantee from the government we’ll be able to afford service once it’s available; Canadians everywhere are still paying some of the highest Internet prices in the world with few choices due to our telecom triopoly.

Why are some areas unconnected?

Connecting Canada’s vast land mass isn’t easy. Sparse populations make network expansion costly, and existing telecoms often aren’t willing to pay to do it when there’s easier profits closer to their existing networks.  That makes public subsidies like the Universal Broadband Fund a critical tool to subsidize buildout and ensure universal 50/10 access.7 But these programs can be a double-edged sword. If done wrong, they can lock a local community into a single monopoly provider indefinitely, leaving consumers with no choice but to pay high prices, or leaving certain underserved communities unconnected altogether.8,9

Why should you care about universal connectivity?

In today’s world, Internet access is as essential as roads and electricity. Without it, people are cut off from vital opportunities to improve their lives and contribute to society. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about having equal opportunities to work, learn, and participate in the economy.  Unequal connectivity is creating a massive “digital divide” in Canada that slows our economy and makes our society less fair.10 High-speed Internet should be a basic right, available to every Canadian at a price they can afford, not a privilege. Every Canadian deserves the chance to stay connected.11

Sources

  1. 2023 Reports 1 to 4 of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada – The Auditor General of Canada
  2. BROADBAND FUND Closing the digital divide in Canada – CRTC
  3. High-speed Internet for all Canadians – ISED 
  4. See 1
  5. Government of Canada on track to exceed high-speed Internet connectivity targets – ISED
  6. Toronto’s Digital Divide – The Dais
  7. Universal Broadband Fund – ISED
  8. CRTC sets rates that will allow for greater choice of Internet services – CRTC
  9. See 6
  10. What Is the Digital Divide? – Internet Society
  11. Ensuring First Nations have the opportunity to thrive with full digital connectivity – Assembly of First Nations

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Press: Matt Hatfield | Phone: +1 (888) 441-2640 ext. 0 | [email protected]