CRTC seeks Inuit and other Indigenous input on proposed broadband funding stream
The CRTC is accepting public comments until Sept. 18 on a proposed Indigenous stream within its Broadband Fund. The consultation could shape how Indigenous applicants, including Inuit organizations and communities, access future support for high-speed internet and cellphone infrastructure. It is not a funding call, approved program or final policy. Source↗ Source↗
What happened
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission opened Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2026-47 on March 18 to design an Indigenous-specific stream of its Broadband Fund. The Commission says it wants a process tailored to reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants and help close connectivity gaps. Comments are due by 8 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. The public record number is 1011-NOC2026-0047. Source↗ Source↗
Why it matters
The proposed stream could affect future access to CRTC support for projects that build or upgrade high-speed internet and mobile service infrastructure in remote and Indigenous communities. The CRTC is asking about who should qualify as an Indigenous applicant, whether eligibility and assessment rules should change, and how requirements for outreach and community engagement should work. Its notice says the process takes a distinctions-based approach that recognizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights, perspectives and governance systems. Source↗ Source↗
What happens next
Anyone who files an intervention by Sept. 18 can take part in later stages of the proceeding. Replies to intervention-stage submissions are due Dec. 18, 2026. The CRTC says it intends to place a draft Indigenous-stream policy on the public record for comment before making its final approval decision. Source↗ Source↗
Important details
The CRTC’s consultation page lists the proceeding as open. It says formal comments may be submitted online, including an oral-video intervention by providing a link to a publicly accessible video. Comments will be public. A South Baffin Inuktitut summary is available. The CRTC also recently awarded interim participation costs to the First Mile Connectivity Consortium for this proceeding, confirming the consultation remains active; that order does not decide the proposed policy. Source↗ Source↗ Source↗
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