A reliable connection is essential for remote work, virtual doctor visits, online learning, and staying connected to loved ones.
Yet, for many rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, that connection still isn’t guaranteed. The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) was created to close that gap.
Launched in 2020 with a federal budget of $3.225 billion, the UBF aims to bring high-speed internet—at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload—to every Canadian household by 2030. Now, five years in, the fund has made measurable progress. But it’s also clear that the path forward is complex, and the finish line isn’t quite in sight.
This report examines the situation in 2025, including the wins, the sticking points, and what remains to be done to fully connect Canada.
Universal High-Speed Internet by 2030
The UBF was created to correct a longstanding imbalance. Urban centres across Canada have enjoyed fast, reliable internet for years. Rural and remote areas? Not so much. Spotty coverage, slow speeds, and high costs have been the norm in those regions.
The government set out to change that, with two primary goals:
- Connect 98% of Canadian households by 2026.
- Reach 100% by 2030.
To get there, the UBF backs projects that build and expand broadband infrastructure in areas that private providers have often overlooked. It’s not just about faster Netflix streams—it’s about enabling rural economic growth, improving access to essential services, and closing the digital divide.
How the UBF Works
The fund supports a range of projects through several targeted streams:
- Large-scale projects: Up to $750 million is allocated for infrastructure that serves wide regions or large numbers of households.
- Indigenous mobile connectivity: $50 million is set aside for projects improving mobile service in Indigenous communities, where wired options may not be viable.
- Rapid response: A fast-track stream funds shovel-ready projects that can be rolled out quickly in areas with urgent needs.
The idea is to meet communities where they are—geographically, economically, and technologically—and deploy the best-fit solution.
Where We Stand in 2025
So, what has all this investment accomplished?
As of early 2025, high-speed internet is available to approximately 93.5% of Canadian households, up from around 87% just a few years ago. The federal government projects that number will reach 98.6% by 2026, putting it on track to meet its short-term goal.
Thanks to nearly 300 funded projects nationwide, more than 200,000 households in underserved areas have gained reliable service. Many of those projects are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve—whether that’s laying fibre along rural roads, installing fixed wireless towers in mountainous terrain, or launching satellite internet hubs in the far north.
One notable investment is $271.9 million, specifically toward improving Inuit communities’ internet. The UBF has backed alternatives like portable internet connectivity and upgraded satellite systems in areas where traditional infrastructure isn’t practical.
Technology Behind the Rollout
There is no one-size-fits-all technology for rural broadband. The UBF funds a mix of options, depending on what works best for a given location.
Fibre Optics
Fibre is the gold standard for speed and reliability. Where population density and geography allow, fibre networks are being extended into rural communities. These lines can handle huge amounts of data with low latency—perfect for video conferencing, online classes, or any modern digital use case.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
In areas where laying fibre is too expensive or logistically difficult, fixed wireless fills the gap. Wireless signals are beamed from towers to receivers in homes or buildings, providing high-speed access without miles of cable. It’s faster to install and relatively cost-effective, though it’s more sensitive to terrain and weather.
Satellite Internet
For Canada’s most remote regions—think northern wilderness or fly-in communities—satellite remains the only practical option. New Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have brought major improvements in speed and latency over traditional systems, making this a viable option that nothing else can reach.
Key Challenges Still Ahead
Despite real progress, universal connectivity is still a work in progress. A few major obstacles remain:
1. Canada’s Geography
This country is vast and varied. From rugged mountains to dense forests to Arctic tundra, laying cable or building towers isn’t easy—or cheap. Seasonal weather adds more delays and maintenance headaches. Solutions have to be customized region by region, sometimes household by household.
2. The Economics of Low Density
Building broadband infrastructure in sparsely populated areas costs far more per household, and private providers often see little incentive to invest. That’s why the UBF covers up to 90% of project costs, especially in remote areas. Even so, finding contractors and maintaining service can be tough in places where roads barely exist.
3. Regulatory Complexity
Telecom is federally regulated, but land use, permits, and project approvals are often provincial or municipal matters. Navigating these layers of bureaucracy takes time, and misalignment between jurisdictions can slow things down. The federal government works with provinces and territories to streamline the process, but it’s still a bottleneck.
4. Last-Mile Connectivity
Even when a network reaches a community, getting service to each home—the “last mile”—is its challenge. In rural settings, homes can be kilometers apart. Specialized last-mile solutions, including community wireless hubs and satellite receivers, are getting more attention and funding.
Why This Matters: Real-World Impact
Reliable internet access isn’t just about streaming video or checking email. It affects everything from healthcare to education to local economies.
Healthcare
In remote areas, high-speed internet enables telemedicine—virtual doctor visits, remote diagnostics, and access to specialists hundreds of kilometers away.
Education
Students can attend virtual classes, access learning materials, and participate in online programs without leaving their communities.
Business
Small businesses in rural areas can now manage inventory online, sell products nationwide, and offer remote services. That’s a game-changer for local economies.
Community Connection
Better connectivity means more civic engagement, easier access to government services, and a stronger connection to the rest of the country.
Who’s Making It Happen
The UBF is a federal program, but it relies heavily on collaboration.
- Government: The federal government sets the strategy and provides funding. Provincial and municipal governments help tailor plans and navigate local needs.
- Private Sector: Telecom providers and technology companies bring the equipment, expertise, and on-the-ground execution. Their investments often complement federal funding.
- Local Communities: Community leaders and residents provide input, highlight gaps, and help shape how projects are rolled out. Indigenous organizations, in particular, play a key role in guiding culturally appropriate solutions.
This three-way collaboration is one of the biggest reasons for the program’s success so far.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, a few priorities stand out:
- Sustain funding: Expanding and maintaining rural networks requires ongoing investment, not just one-time grants.
- Embrace innovation: As technology improves—especially in LEO satellites and wireless systems—Canada can more effectively reach previously unreachable areas.
- Focus on the last 2%: These households are the hardest to serve and often face the biggest barriers. Solving this final challenge will require creative solutions and strong local partnerships.
- Streamline approvals: Cutting red tape and aligning regulatory processes across jurisdictions will speed up project timelines.
Conclusion
The Universal Broadband Fund has made real progress since 2020. By 2025, it’s brought high-speed internet to hundreds of thousands of homes that previously lacked it. The mix of technologies—fibre, wireless, and satellite—ensures that no single solution dominates, and that each community gets what it needs.
But the job’s not done.
Reaching the remaining 6.5% of households—those in the most remote and difficult locations—will require just as much effort, if not more, than what’s been done so far. It will take funding, innovation, and continued collaboration at every level.
Still, the momentum is there. With every new connection, Canada moves closer to closing the digital divide—ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and opportunities of the modern world, no matter where they live.
