ViaSat-2 satellite launches

A recent satellite launch will lead to faster Internet speeds for rural and remote customers of Xplornet Communications Inc., the company announced Friday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

Connect to Innovate yields $4.4B ask

OTTAWA — Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is currently sifting through nearly 900 applications to the Connect to Innovate program requesting more than $4.4 billion in funding, a House of Commons committee heard Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

EORN proposes public-private partnership to fill cell coverage gaps

The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) is asking the provincial and federal government to chip in to a $213-million public-private partnership to address cellular coverage gaps in Eastern Ontario. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Few policy details from new CPC leader

Conservatives elected Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer as party and official Opposition leader over the weekend, but those interested in his stance on telecom and media issues won’t have much to chew on. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Telecoms pooh-pooh affordability fund

Establishing a dedicated fund to tackle service affordability for low-income Canadians as part of the CRTC’s basic telecom services objective is not the right way to handle the issue, according to the majority of service providers who responded to an application to review and vary the regulator’s December decision. This content is available to wirereport.ca …

Cable no substitute in wholesale service gap areas: CNOC

The presence of cable infrastructure in locations where there is no telco option for wholesale Internet service is not a sufficient alternative, small Internet service providers (ISPS) are arguing in a proceeding in front of the CRTC. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

CCSA heads to the Hill to talk Wholesale Code, rural broadband

OTTAWA — The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) is hoping to build on what it calls a successful round of lobbying the federal government a year ago to have its concerns and ideas integrated into the rural broadband program.

AI, 5G, rural broadband funding in Ont., N.S. budgets

The Ontario government said it will support the latest technologies in the coming years, with funding for artificial intelligence and 5G networks included in its 2017 budget.

CRTC consulting on broadband funding regime

The CRTC is asking for input on the $750-million fund for improving broadband service it first announced in December as part of its basic service decision.

Mixed reaction to budget viewed as long on potential, short on details

For all the focus on the digital economy, there was little in Wednesday’s budget for digital content creators, broadband infrastructure enthusiasts or fans of long-term planning, according to consultants and advocacy groups.

“There’s a lot of potential there. But what is lacking right now is the policy and funding framework in the longer term,” Stuart Jack, a partner at Nordicity’s Ottawa office, said in phone interview.

Affordable Internet carrot, legislation review in federal budget

OTTAWA — With a focus on the digital economy, the federal government will start looking beyond geography to bridge the digital divide in Canada, adding new funding to encourage Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer affordable Internet packages, to improve digital literacy, and by announcing its intention to modernize the Telecom and Broadcasting Acts in Budget 2017.

Are provinces filling the federal broadband strategy gap?

Nova Scotia may not be formulating its provincial broadband plan as a direct response to federal inaction, but that doesn’t mean the provincial government isn’t acting out of a need to fill a void affecting its residents.

“It’s like a lot of things in that the provincial government is closer to the people than the federal government is, in certain respects,” David MacNeil, senior advisor in the Nova Scotia department of business, said in a phone interview.

Federal budget coming March 22

The federal budget will be presented March 22, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced Tuesday.

Morneau will rise to give the budget speech at 4 p.m. that day in the House of Commons, marking the Liberal government’s second financial plan of its mandate.

Lack of national broadband strategy pulls down Canadian ‘Internet inclusion’ ranking: study

Canada ranks first for Internet affordability, but closer to the middle of the pack when it comes to individuals’ capacity to use the Internet, according to a new study assessing the international digital divide.

Iristel, EBox, DHX among new lobby registrations

The start of the new year was marked by new registrations for new and not-so-new companies and groups in the federal lobbyists’ registry.

Iristel Inc. registered to lobby the federal government as of Jan. 13 with consultant Eric Rothschild, who, according to the registry filing “will discuss with CRTC staff & Commissioners and staff at Innovation, Science and Economic Development potential funding available for telecommunications infrastructure.”

Government help necessary for connected car rollout: ISED

OTTAWA — In order to roll out the infrastructure and technology necessary to make connected cars available across Canada, government funding will be needed, and it could be modeled after the Connected Canadians program that’s currently in place to target rural broadband, a Senate committee heard Tuesday.

SaskTel says it’s ‘concerned’ by end of local voice subsidy

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. said Monday that it is concerned about the CRTC’s December decision to eliminate the local voice subsidy in favour of a broadband fund.

“The reduction in subsidy could potentially result in rate increases for SaskTel’s rural telephone customers, less investment by the Corporation in infrastructure as a result of the lost subsidy and a reduced net income affecting dividends to the Government of Saskatchewan,” SaskTel said in a press release.

Connect to Innovate deadline extended

The federal government is extending the deadline for applications to be made to its new rural broadband program.

During question period on Thursday, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, in response to a request from fellow Liberal David Graham for an update on the Connect to Innovate program, said the application deadline was being extended to April 20.

“We want to make sure that this will help 300 rural and remote communities. We want to ensure that as many Canadians as possible benefit,” Bains said, according to a transcript.

Extend Connect to Innovate deadline for local gov’ts: QC Opposition MPs

Conservative members of Parliament from Quebec are asking the federal government for an extension to the application deadline for its Connect to Innovate program, saying the two-month turnaround is too short for small municipalities that want to take advantage of the new rural broadband funding envelope.

Lametti, Casey take on Heritage, ISED roles

The Ministers of Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Economic Development have new understudies.

In a Thursday press release, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a makeover to his roster of parliamentary secretaries — who assist and support ministers in portfolio work and public duties — naming 34 people to new or renewed positions that will take effect on Jan. 30.

Connecting Canadians investing $250,000 in Eastern Ontario

The federal government is making available $250,000 to improve Internet service in Eastern Ontario.

Two rural Ontario areas receive $2.53M to improve connectivity

The federal and Ontario governments are making available $2.53 million in funding to improve Internet service in two areas of the province, the federal government announced in a press release Monday.

“In King Township, the project will expand the fibre optic broadband network to rural residents. In Huron County, the project will provide high-speed broadband service to 929 homes, dozens of small businesses and a school,” the press release said.

Xplornet buys YourLink for $28.79M

Xplornet Communications Inc. has purchased “all YourLink Internet services operations in Saskatchewan” from Vecima Networks Inc., the satellite Internet service provider (ISP) said Monday.

YourLink offers Internet service in Saskatchewan and cable services in British Columbia, according to its website. Xplornet spokesman James Maunder said in an email Tuesday the deal involved all of YourLink's operations and had a purchase price of $28.75 million, subject to normal closing adjustments."

Look beyond incumbents with new $750M fund, Iristel tells CRTC

Iristel Inc. is asking the CRTC to “go beyond the ‘same old players’ to companies committed to competition and enhanced services for Canadians” when it comes to providing funding as part of its new $750-million program to improve Internet service in Canada.

50 Mbps speeds, LTE part of CRTC’s new basic service requirements

GATINEAU, Que. — Advocates are calling the CRTC’s new basic service requirements — which include a minimum of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds and LTE coverage — “transformative” and “game-changing” while financial analysts said the new rules won’t have an impact on companies’ bottom lines.  

Quebec opens call for rural broadband projects

Meant to work in concert with the federal program detailed last week, Quebec announced its own $100-million rural broadband program would be opening to applications next month.

In a French press release Monday, Dominique Anglade, Quebec’s minister of economy, science and innovation, said the application period for provincial funds will be open until March 13.

Retail regulation ‘worst case’ in basic service decision: Desjardins

The “worst case scenario” for incumbent telecom companies when the CRTC releases its decision on the basic service proceeding it held this spring will be if the commission “decides that regulation of retail prices is required to make the service more affordable,” according Desjardins Capital Markets analyst Maher Yaghi.

EchoStar XIX satellite launches

One of two new satellites on which Xplornet Communications Inc. has purchased capacity has launched successfully, the company said in a press release Monday.

The EchoStar XIX is the “highest capacity broadband satellite ever launched,” Xplornet said.

Rural broadband program aims to bring 300 communities up to speed

WAKEFIELD, Que. — The federal government’s new rural broadband program will focus on making high-speed connections, as opposed to simply forging Internet connections for rural and remote communities, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said Thursday, in announcing some of the long-awaited details to the Liberal commitment outlined in this spring’s budget.

Tie tax change to rural broadband: finance committee

A House of Commons committee has recommended that if changes to the tax structure for telecom expenses are implemented in next year’s budget, they be tied to rural broadband investment.

HoC committee touts Canada Post for Internet connections

A group of parliamentarians has suggested that the future of the country’s postal service may lie with its entrance into the world of telecommunications.

On Tuesday, the House of Commons standing committee on government operations and estimates tabled a report in Parliament on its study of Canada Post.

In the 200-page document, the Liberal majority members of the committee made 45 recommendations, two of which suggested delving into providing broadband Internet and wireless cellular service.

‘Similar hurdles’ as U.S. possible in 600 MHz auction: Desjardins

The 600 MHz spectrum auction in the United States has again been delayed after bidders failed to meet minimum prices for spectrum, and Canada could see similar problems in its own upcoming auction, Desjardins Capital Markets analyst Maher Yaghi said in a note Friday.

“The [Federal Communications Commission] will thus have to go back to TV channels for a fourth time in order to set new prices for spectrum,” Yaghi wrote.

Infrastructure, spectrum key to competition, lower prices: Bains

OTTAWA — The quality of Canada’s wireless and wireline networks is a “significant strength,” but the country can’t rest on its laurels while others catch up, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains told attendees of the International Institute of Communications’ (IIC) Canadian conference Thursday morning.

Call for rural broadband program applications coming in December: ISED

OTTAWA — Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada still has work to do when it comes to filling in gaps in the country’s broadband coverage, a Senate standing committee heard Wednesday evening, beginning with a December call for applications to its new rural broadband program. 

Sasktel boosting Internet offerings in 4 communities

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. is upgrading Internet speeds in some communities and will begin offering higher-speed service to another in Saskatchewan. 

In one of two press releases Wednesday, the communications provider said that it is upgrading the speeds of its High Speed Basic Internet tier to 5 Mbps from 1.5 Mbps for residents of Deschambault Lake, Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay. 

Internet companies reach out to new U.S. leadership

An organization representing four-dozen major online-based companies has reached out to president-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his victory while proposing digital policy planks for his administration to consider.

More competitive markets could be at FTTH disadvantage, conference hears

TORONTO — Trying to build fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) in very competitive markets makes little economic sense for Internet service providers (ISPs), meaning markets with more competition could actually be slower to get the newer technology, a conference heard Tuesday.

Wireless industry needs ‘stick’ to boost rural coverage: MP

OTTAWA — While traditionally, government funding has been directed to boost fixed Internet service, perhaps there should be some public assistance for improving wireless coverage, a member of Parliament mused Thursday as the Canadian Wireless Telecommunication Association (CWTA) appeared in front of parliamentarians.

End of dial-up leaving some B.C. residents without Internet: MP

Telus Corp. is working with customers who will be affected by the cessation of dial-up Internet service as of Nov. 16, the company said, after an NDP member of Parliament said she had constituents who would be left completely without an Internet connection next month.

CBC execs talk digital shift, competition at Heritage committee

OTTAWA — CBC/Radio-Canada has prioritized a shift to digital platforms to reach all Canadians, but ensuring they are able to access those platforms isn’t part of the public broadcaster’s mandate, CBC representatives told parliamentarians Tuesday.

Improve Internet access to help news media, committee hears

OTTAWA — Raising the level of broadband Internet service for Canadians would go far in levelling the playing field for both media producers and consumers, a House of Commons committee heard Thursday, as it continued its study of the media and local communities.

Innovation, cybersecurity, CanCon on agenda as Parliament resumes

After 13 weeks off from the Parliament Hill routine, MPs returned en masse to Ottawa Monday for the start of the House of Commons’ fall session, where the stage is set for forward momentum on the Liberal government’s yet-to-be defined telecom policy — but don’t expect any major revelations just yet.

Bell, MTS announce post-merger plans for Churchill, Man.

Gigabit-speed Internet will be introduced to Northern Manitoba under a BCE Inc.-owned Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., the companies announced Monday.

The improvement in Churchill, Man., would be part of the $1-billion-over-five-years investment Bell pledged to make as part of the acquisition proposal for MTS, said a press release.

G.fast tech to give Canadian telcos’ Internet speeds a boost

A new technology that allows telecoms to get speeds of hundreds of gigabits through existing copper loops is making headway in Canada, where companies are testing it out and deployment is likely to begin later this year.

Large and small Internet service providers (ISPs) say they’re looking at g.fast technology, which gives telcos a leg up in the competition with cablecos by allowing them to offer faster speeds without installing new fibre-to-the-home (FFTH) infrastructure.

Eastlink expanding rural N.S. broadband access

Bragg Communications Inc.’s Eastlink is investing $6.5 million to expand high-speed Internet services to rural Nova Scotia, the company announced Thursday.

“We appreciate that when it comes to Internet in rural Nova Scotia, there have and continue to be challenges,” Eastlink CEO Lee Bragg said in a press release.

SaskTel gets $7.42M from Connecting Canadians for northern broadband

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. is upgrading its high speed Internet service in northern Saskatchewan.

The provincial government-owned telecom provider is partnering with the federal government to bring download speeds of 5 Mbps to nearly 2,700 homes across 26 communities in the northern part of the province and expects to complete the project by the end of the year, it announced in a Wednesday press release.

Net neutrality, rural broadband raised during Bains chat

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains took questions from Twitter Inc.’s Toronto office Friday afternoon, in

SaskTel connects Estevan to FTTH

The new connections will give residents the ability to sign up for SaskTel’s InfiNet service, the company said in a press release, which offers download speeds of up to 260 Mbps.

Ontario fibre project gets federal-provincial boost

The federal and Ontario governments are investing up to $180 million into a new fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network designed to connect about 300 southwestern Ontario communities to high-speed Internet, officials announced Tuesday, bolstering a municipally driven project to bridge the region’s broadband gap.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls for provincial action on broadband

The Ontario government should be playing a major role in developing the province’s broadband infrastructure, according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

In an open letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne Thursday, chamber president and CEO Allan O’Dette called for the provincial government to take three steps to bring infrastructure up to the same level as roads, bridges and electricity.

SaskTel to improve Internet service in 7 communities

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. said Wednesday that it’s installing additional equipment on towers in rural areas around seven Saskatchewan communities that will relieve congestion for customers of its High Speed Fusion Internet service, as well as offer added capacity.

The work will take place in the Baildon, Buffalo Pound, Cochin, Edenwold, Estevan, Lanigan, and Melville, Sask. areas, the company said in a press release.

OECD members commit to new digital initiatives

Ministers from 41 countries and the EU have committed to upholding certain initiatives to adjust to the new realities of a digital economy.

Members at the OECD’s 2016 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting held in Cancun, Mexico, vowed to “preserve an open Internet, close digital divides [and] promote digital skills,” according to a Thursday press release.

Innovation Agenda consultation to include digital infrastructure

OTTAWA — Creating an environment where Canada can compete in the digital world is a “key priority” for the government as it develops its much-touted Innovation Agenda, which officials announced Tuesday would undergo public consultation this summer.

ISPs should have to offer broadband to all, 71% of Canadians say

According to a new survey, 71 per cent of Canadians think the CRTC should force Internet service providers (ISPs) to build “the infrastructure necessary to ensure that every Canadian household” has a broadband Internet connection.

The same proportion also said there should be policies in place to ensure low-income Canadians can afford broadband Internet, an Angus Reid Institute survey found.

High-speed Internet project completed in NWT community

Broadband infrastructure improvements have been completed in the remote community of Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., the federal government said in a Wednesday press release.

The project to replace a satellite network with a microwave radio network was completed by Northwestel Inc. in April, the release said, a commitment made when the company began servicing the area as part of the Northwest Territories Broadband Initiative in October 2015.

FCC’s Pai gives advice to CRTC on low-income Internet subsidies