Latest news with #BroadbandFund
Cision Canada
12-08-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bell completes subsea fibre optic cable deployment to Fogo and Change Islands Français
Funded in partnership with the Government of Canada under the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), the project brings future-ready, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology to Change Islands and Fogo Island—an emerging international tourism destination known for its sustainable development and community-owned hospitality. "Bringing fibre to Fogo and Change Islands is a major engineering achievement and a proud moment for our team. This project reflects Bell's commitment to connecting even the most remote communities with world-class broadband, unlocking new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike." — Mark McDonald, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, Bell "Today, access to reliable, high-speed Internet is a necessity, no matter where you live in Canada. The deployment of this subsea fibre optic cable system marks a major connectivity milestone for Fogo and Change Islands, making it easier for folks to grow an online business, get access to essential services, and stay connected with their loved ones." — The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) Bell deployed over 16 km of rugged subsea cable across challenging terrain to bring world-class Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology to some of Canada's most culturally rich and geographically distinct island communities. This is more than infrastructure – it's about enabling communities to thrive in a digital world. By delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity, Bell is helping to unlock new opportunities for residents, support local businesses, and strengthen access to essential services in Fogo and Change Islands. Project Highlights Subsea cable deployment: A 24-count double-armour marine fibre optic cable was installed in two segments: from Farewell to Change Islands (7.25 km) and from Change Islands to Fogo Island (8.8 km), with maximum depths of 49m and 44m respectively. Environmental stewardship: The project followed rigorous environmental assessments, including marine biology studies and habitat evaluations, ensuring minimal impact to sensitive ecosystems. Innovative engineering: Side-scan sonar and articulated pipe systems were used to map the seabed and protect the cable in surf zones and rocky terrain. The new fibre infrastructure replaces the region's dependence on microwave links, which will now serve as a backup transport system. This upgrade positions Fogo and Change Islands for long-term digital growth by enhancing support for year-round tourism, remote work, and access to essential services. Bell aims to have the necessary distribution infrastructure operational by late fall 2025, with plans to begin offering customers access to the upgraded service shortly thereafter. About Bell Bell is Canada's largest communications company i, providing advanced broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communication services. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit or Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CRTC takes action to help bring high-speed Internet to 18 communities across Canada Français
GATINEAU, QC, /CNW/ - The CRTC is taking action to help bring high-speed fibre Internet to 18 rural communities in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. In 2019, the CRTC launched the Broadband Fund to help connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. To date, the fund has improved high-speed Internet and cellphone services in over 290 communities, connecting essential institutions such as schools, health care facilities, and community centres. Through its Broadband Fund, the CRTC is committing over $17 million to Minto Communications Society, County of Forty Mile No. 8, Vianet Inc., MCSnet, and Missing Link Internet Inc., to build approximately 330 kilometres of new transport fibre infrastructure. These projects will improve access to reliable and high-quality Internet services. Impacted communities provided letters of support emphasizing the benefits of these projects, including creating new opportunities for local businesses, and improving access to health care and educational services. The CRTC continues to assess Broadband Fund applications and will make more funding announcements in the coming months. Quote "We are taking action to help ensure that Canadians have access to high-quality Internet services. The projects announced today will connect 18 communities across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. This will have a significant impact by helping create new opportunities for local businesses and improve access to health care and education services." - Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC Quick facts The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record. To date, the CRTC's Broadband Fund has supported projects that will connect over 49,000 households, improve cellphone service along over 630 kilometres of major roads, and build over 5,500 kilometres of fibre to communities. The CRTC is continuing to make improvements to the Broadband Fund as part of its review of the fund. In December 2024, the CRTC announced its first decision to improve the fund and help make it faster and easier to connect Canadians to high-speed Internet. The CRTC will issue more decisions as part of its review and, later this year, it will launch the Indigenous Stream of the Broadband Fund. Stay Connected Follow us on X @CRTCeng Like us on Facebook SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
