Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released an update to the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. The federal map tracks reported internet speeds and utilizes the data that determines eligibility for government connectivity funding. The last update to the map was made in February 2021.
The updated map offers new functionality and layers, and includes data collected through regular surveys and ongoing consultations with internet service providers (ISPs) and others. With this release, ISED has also expressed intent to update the map twice a year, on an ongoing basis.
The public can use the map to search for reported internet speeds in their community. Communities can see whether their area has reported speeds of at least 50/10 Megabits per second (the federal government’s universal service objective for internet speed), as well as determine which ISPs operate in the community. Funding programs—including the current provincial Connecting Communities BC program—use reported speeds data as one criterion for funding eligibility.
If a community suspects they are not getting the speeds reported on the map, there are some possible actions to take:
- Talk to the ISP about these concerns.
- If the community is considering supporting a funding application under the Connecting Communities BC program, encourage the applicant (likely an ISP) to include, with their application, evidence of reduced internet speeds.
For information about internet connectivity and funding, see Connectivity in BC, or contact Connected Communities BC.