Canada's Internet Access Programs: Eligibility and How to Apply

Last reviewed: September 2026

What are Canada’s Internet Access Programs? (Quick Answer)

Canada’s internet access programs are government-funded, community-based initiatives that help Canadians who can’t afford home internet plans get connected to high-speed internet. This is usually done through subsidized pricing, network-expansion funding, and free public access points.

Canada offers several internet access programs for low-income households, including the Connecting Families Initiative, which provides internet for as low as $10 CAD per month for eligible families receiving the Canada Child Benefit or Guaranteed Income Supplement. Provincial programs and community-based options are also available depending on where you live.

Quick Answers

The Connecting Families Initiative provides internet for about $10 CAD or $20 CAD per month for eligible families and senior citizens.
Your specific province’s broadband program funds network expansion, mainly in rural and remote areas.
Community networks such as National Capital FreeNet and Chebucto Community Net provide local services.

At Remitly, we know how much a steady connection matters when you’re settling into a new life in Canada, so this guide walks through what’s currently available, who qualifies, and how to apply for each option below.

Government-funded Internet Programs in Canada

There are several main government-funded programs run out of the capital of Ottawa that aim to fund or subsidize internet access across the country: UBF, CFI, CRTC Broadband Fund, and DLEP. Here’s who each one serves, what it provides, and where to start.

Universal Broadband Fund (UBF)

The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion CAD program whose goal is to connect 100% of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2030. As of 2026, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) reports the program remains on track toward that target, though a gap persists: about 99% urban households now have 50/10 Mbps service, compared with roughly 46% of rural households and about 35% of households in First Nations communities on reserve.

The UBF is for Canadian entities like municipalities, internet service providers (ISPs), and other organisations working to build network infrastructure. Individuals and federal entities cannot apply. The UBF is currently closed to new applications; individuals benefit as funded projects are completed in their area.

Connecting Families Initiative (CFI)

The Connecting Families Initiative (CFI) provides internet for as low as $10 CAD or $20 CAD per month (depending on internet speed) to eligible low-income families and senior citizens. It does this via participating ISPs, which participate voluntarily without government subsidy by offering low-cost internet plans and digital devices. A full list of participating ISPs can be found in the CFI subsection below.

Those eligible for CFI include families who receive the maximum amount of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and senior citizens who receive at least 80% of the maximum amount the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). In order to apply, you must first receive an official invitation letter. Once you have the letter, you can sign up via the registration portal and choose a low-cost internet plan.

CRTC Broadband Fund

The CRTC Broadband Fund supports projects that expand high-speed internet and mobile services in underserved areas. It is intended for internet and mobile providers that propose projects in underserved and remote communities.

Providers can apply directly on the Broadband Fund’s website. Individuals are unable to apply, but they often benefit when a project is built in their area. As of 2023, the CRTC also began requiring larger providers to open parts of their networks to smaller ISPs so that more affordable plan choices could be available.

Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP)

The Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP) funded programs that helped Canadians develop digital skills and safely use the internet. It supported both individuals and community organisations working on digital inclusion throughout the country.

During the program’s lifetime, individuals and organisations were able to apply via participating organisations, libraries, and other community networks. The DLEP officially ended on March 31, 2025, so new applications are no longer being accepted.

Connecting Families Initiative: The Most Accessible Option for Individuals

For most Canadian individuals, the Connecting Families Initiative is the most direct path to affordable home internet. There are two eligibility pathways: families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and senior citizens receiving at least 80% of the maximum amount of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Enrollment works a little differently than a typical online sign-up or application; in fact, you are unable to apply directly up front. Instead, eligible households first receive an invitation letter from the Government of Canada, and only then can you enroll via the registration portal. You’ll need a fixed address within a participating provider’s service area to benefit from this program. Participating providers include the following:

Access Communications Co-operative Limited
Beanfield Technologies Inc.
Bell Canada (including Bell Aliant and Bell MTS)
Cogeco
Coopérative de câblodistribution de l’arrière-pays (CCAP)
CSUR Coop d’économie participative
Hay Communications
Mornington
NorthwestTel
Novus Entertainment Inc.
Rally
Rogers
Rural Net
SaskTel
Tbaytel
TELUS
Vidéotron
Westman Media Cooperative Limited

As of ISED’s most recent update, the current phase of the program offers two plan options via the above ISPs, which cover about 85% of the Canadian internet market:

Plan 1: $10 CAD per month (plus tax) for up to 10 megabits/second (Mbps) download speed, 1 megabits/second (Mbps) upload speed, and 100 GB of data.
Plan 2: $20 CAD per month (plus tax) for up to 50 megabits/second (Mbps) download speed, 10 megabits/second (Mbps) upload speed, and 200 GB of data.

If you think you qualify but haven’t received an invitation, ISED recommends visiting the Connecting Families Initiative page for updates.

Provincial and Community-based Internet Programs

Beyond the federal programs mentioned above, most provinces also run their own broadband-expansion initiatives, and many communities have built their own local networks. These mostly fund providers, First Nations, and municipalities to build infrastructure rather than accepting individual applications, but they can determine whether an affordable, high-speed internet option exists where you live.

The table below breaks down programs available in each province.

Province	Program	Who it serves	Can I apply directly?
Ontario	Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT)	Rural and underserved communities in southwestern and eastern Ontario	No. SWIFT funds ISPs and municipalities; residents benefit once a project is built nearby.
British Columbia	Connecting British Columbia	Rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across BC	No. Funding goes to ISPs, First Nations, and local governments.
Alberta	Alberta Broadband Fund	Rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Alberta	Yes, a limited number of eligible households can apply for the Alberta Satellite Rebate Program to receive a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 CAD for satellite internet service.
Nova Scotia	Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative	Remote and underserved communities in Nova Scotia	Yes, residents and businesses can apply for the Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program to receive a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 CAD for satellite internet service.

Similar programs may also be available in your province; it’s worth checking for regular updates.

Community-run networks are another option, particularly if you live in one of the cities or regions they serve:

National Capital FreeNet (NCF): An Ottawa-based non-profit offering low-cost internet and free public Wi-Fi in partnership with other organisations.
Chebucto Community Net: A volunteer-run group in Halifax that provides affordable internet and helps people get online.

If you live in Ottawa, your local library is also a good place to start: the Ottawa Public Library offers free Wi-Fi and public computers.

Who Qualifies for Affordable Internet Programs in Canada?

Eligibility for internet access programs for individual applicants depends on the specific program, but most affordable internet options in Canada are built around a few common factors: household income, family or age status, and location.

Low-income families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB) (a monthly payment for families raising children under 18) and low-income seniors receiving at least 80% of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are eligible for CFI.

If you meet your province’s definition of a low-income household, which is generally based on Statistics Canada’s Low Income Measure, you may be eligible for provincial programs.

Those living in a rural, remote, or underserved area where a provincial or federal broadband project has been funded will benefit from these projects.

For newcomers to Canada, our settlement and support services guide can help you find local programs that benefit you while you build a Canadian income history. If you’ve recently arrived in Canada, it can take time to build the credit history or get the fixed address that some providers ask for. Reviewing the cost of living in Canada in your city can help you plan around internet costs while you settle in.

How to Check If You Qualify

Follow these steps to assess your eligibility for these programs:

Visit the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map to see whether a program is active in your area.
Check whether you currently receive the CCB or GIS (you must apply for these programs, so this information should be in your records).
Contact 211 Canada or a local settlement agency if you’re not sure which programs apply to newcomers.
Ask your provincial broadband office (for example, Ontario’s SWIFT or BC’s Connecting British Columbia) whether a funded project covers your address.

How to Apply for Affordable Internet in Canada: Step-by-step

The Connecting Families Initiative is the main program open to individual applicants. To apply, follow these steps.

Confirm you receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement, since eligibility is based on these benefits.
Watch for an invitation letter from the Government of Canada. The CFI does not accept unsolicited applications.
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received a letter, check your eligibility via the Connecting Families Initiative website directly and then contact the CFI team.
If you receive an invitation letter, enroll in the program via the registration portal with your address and 8-digit code from your letter.
Confirm that a participating ISP serves your address, since not every provider takes part in every region.
Provide the documentation your chosen ISP asks for, typically proof of your CCB or GIS benefit.
If your ISP doesn’t participate, ask a community network such as National Capital FreeNet or Chebucto Community Net whether they serve your area, or check whether a provincial program covers your region.

Why Internet Access Matters — Especially for Newcomers to Canada

Internet access is essential to daily life in the modern world: we work, communicate with family and friends, study, and complete a plethora of other tasks on the internet.

For newcomers, especially, a reliable internet connection often comes before almost everything else on the settlement checklist. Internet access is crucial for newcomers for the following reasons:

Completing and tracking immigration paperwork: Many of the steps you need to take after arrival to Canada happen through the IRCC’s online portal, from tracking a permanent residence application to renewing a work permit.
Accessing government services: Setting up a My CRA Account or a Service Canada account online makes it easier to manage taxes, benefits like the CCB, and Employment Insurance. The same connection also opens the door to public services as a newcomer, from provincial health registration to municipal programs.
Online banking: Getting familiar with Canada’s banking system and managing an account online, including using transfer services like Remitly, is far easier with a stable connection, and many newcomers handle most of their day-to-day banking from a phone or laptop.
Employment and family reasons: Job applications, virtual interviews, and video calls with family back home all depend on the internet. For many who have recently moved, it’s how a new life in Canada starts to feel connected to family elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Access Programs in Canada

What internet access programs are available in Canada?

The Connecting Families Initiative offers low-cost plans for eligible families and seniors.
The Universal Broadband Fund and provincial programs fund network expansion in underserved areas.
Community networks such as National Capital FreeNet and Chebucto Community Net offer local, affordable access where they operate.

Who is eligible for the Connecting Families Initiative?

Households receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit or 80% of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement are eligible. You’ll also need a fixed address within a participating provider’s service area. Eligible households receive an invitation letter from the Government of Canada rather than applying directly.

How can I get free or low-cost internet in Canada?

Free options include public Wi-Fi at libraries, community centres, and some cafés and transit hubs. For a low-cost home plan, the Connecting Families Initiative offers eligible households internet for $10 CAD or $20 CAD a month depending on the speed, and community networks such as National Capital FreeNet provide affordable local alternatives.

Which internet providers offer the $20 CAD Connecting Families plan?

As of 2026, the following internet service providers take part in the Connecting Families Initiative, including:

Access Communications Co-operative Limited
Beanfield Technologies Inc.
Bell Canada (including Bell Aliant and Bell MTS)
Cogeco
Coopérative de câblodistribution de l’arrière-pays (CCAP)
CSUR Coop d’économie participative
Hay Communications
Mornington
NorthwestTel
Novus Entertainment Inc.
Rally
Rogers
Rural Net
SaskTel
Tbaytel
TELUS
Vidéotron
Westman Media Cooperative Limited

Together, they cover roughly 85% of the Canadian internet market. Availability still depends on your address, so confirm with your provider or through the Connecting Families Initiative directly.

Are there internet programs specifically for seniors?

Yes. The Connecting Families Initiative extends eligibility to seniors receiving at least 80% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Seniors who qualify can access the same roughly $10 CAD or $20 CAD monthly plans through participating providers, provided they receive an invitation and live in a covered service area.

Can newcomers to Canada qualify for these programs?

Newcomers can qualify once they meet a program’s criteria, such as receiving the Canada Child Benefit for a household with children. It can take time to build the income history or get the fixed address some providers require, so local settlement agencies and community networks are often useful in the meantime.

What if my internet provider doesn’t participate in a program?

If your provider isn’t part of the Connecting Families Initiative, check whether a community network in your area, such as Chebucto Community Net or National Capital FreeNet, serves your address, or ask your provincial broadband office whether a funded project covers your region.

Key resources for affordable internet in Canada

ISED High-Speed Internet page: Government of Canada overview of national broadband programs, including the Universal Broadband Fund. Visit ised-isde.canada.ca.
Connecting Families Initiative page: Program details, eligibility, and participating ISPs. Visit the CFI page.
National Broadband Map: Check current and planned high-speed coverage at your address. Visit the map.
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Guidance on staying safe when using public Wi-Fi or a new home connection. Visit cyber.gc.ca.
Canada.ca: Central hub for federal benefits, including the CCB and GIS, that affect program eligibility. Visit canada.ca.

Conclusion

Getting connected in Canada doesn’t have to mean paying full price for home internet. Between the Connecting Families Initiative, provincial broadband projects, and community-run networks, there’s usually a more affordable path, even if it takes a few steps to find the one that fits your specific address and situation.

For the most current program details, the ISED high-speed internet page is worth bookmarking, and if you’re weighing internet costs against everything else on a new budget, our guide to budgeting for Canada’s most expensive cities covers where those costs tend to add up.

Key takeaways:

The Connecting Families Initiative offers eligible families and senior citizens internet for about $10 CAD or $20 CAD a month through participating providers.
Eligibility for the CFI is based on receiving the Canada Child Benefit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Provincial programs like Ontario’s SWIFT and Connecting British Columbia fund infrastructure rather than individual applications.
Community networks such as National Capital FreeNet and Chebucto Community Net offer local, affordable alternatives where they operate.
If your provider doesn’t participate in a program, a community network or provincial broadband office is a good next step.