Businesses rely on broadband Internet to innovate, compete and grow. Canadians rely on it to support their quality of life, from health care to education to public safety. Yet at least two million Canadians still don't have reliable Internet access. Most of them live in rural, remote and northern communities.

We’ve been clear that high-speed Internet access is about building better lives. In Budget 2019, the federal government acted directly on our local expertise, responding to FCM’s advocacy by investing significantly in broadband and wireless connectivity. That’s a major boost for rural, northern and remote communities—for their economies and quality of life. Now we stand ready to help bring reliable Internet to all Canadians, no matter where they live.    

COVID-19 has shown just how urgent it is to close Canada’s digital divide. Confined to their homes for months, millions of Canadians turned to the Internet for work, for school—and for basic human connection.

Canada’s recovery depends on ensuring communities of all sizes reach their full potential. Bringing reliable broadband to smaller communities recognizes that they are vital to Canada’s economy, our recovery—and our future. It’s 2020, reliable Internet is essential. Rural, remote and northern communities shouldn’t have to wait any longer.


Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Broadband.
News
FCM welcomes launch of Universal Broadband Fund

FCM welcomes the federal government’s launch today of the Universal Broadband Fund—a critical step in the delivery of better broadband access to communities across the country

News
Throne Speech a positive and hopeful signal for municipalities

FCM President Bill Karsten issued this statement following the delivery of today’s Speech from the Throne.

Resources
Barriers to deploying broadband-capable networks in underserved areas in Canada

FCM urges the CRTC to consider the range of possible approaches to addressing barriers to investment in high-quality fixed and wireless access networks in rural areas, small towns, and remote communities.

Resources
Preparing for 5G deployment in your community

This guide is designed to help municipalities deal with the practical, policy and logistical implications of 5G technology in local communities.

News
FCM responds to the NDP’s 2019 election platform costing

FCM's statement on the release of the New Democratic Party of Canada's election platform costing, which confirms a major commitment to affordable housing, along with commitments to strengthen public transit, adapt communities to new climate extremes, and strengthen rural broadband connectivity. 

News
FCM statement on the release of the Liberal Party’s 2019 election platform

FCM's statement on the release of the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2019 election platform, which includes a significant commitment on permanent investments in building public transit, and addresses federal support for local infrastructure as well as investments in rural broadband connectivity.

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Quick facts
2M
Canadians who can’t access a reliable Internet connection
39%
rural communities that report no access to 20-50 Mbps download speeds
13%
rural households that report no access to 5 Mbps download speeds
Related focus areas
Explore the topics we’re working on related to broadband.

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Local governments own approximately 60 percent of the public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life. Through advocacy and support, we help them build a stronger Canada.
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