Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund Accelerated ISP Pilot

Overview

The availability of stable, high-speed Internet infrastructure is critical for access to essential resources and public services, and to enable economic growth and diversification. The Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund (PEIBF) provides financial assistance to local Prince Edward Island internet service providers (ISPs) for the installation of infrastructure for enhanced broadband services. Through this program, partnerships and collaboration are encouraged and support is provided for increased service levels, improved access and consumer choice for connectivity.

The PEIBF Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot provides a contribution of up to 90% of the eligible costs for a project approved for funding.   A total budget of $1,000,000 is available for eligible projects approved under this pilot. 

Projects may include more than one site, and must be completed by December 31st, 2020. An ISP may submit two applications, but only one application per ISP will be selected. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of a project; any expenses incurred before the submission of an application are ineligible. 

Applicant Eligibility

You may be eligible to access the PEIBF’s Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot if you are:

• A local ISP that is installing broadband infrastructure that will provide improved access to a community and/or provide an increased level of service and/or improved consumer choice.

New project submissions from an applicant in default on any reporting, project completion or financial obligation to Innovation PEI will not be reviewed until a resolution to the default is reached.

Innovation PEI reserves the right to deny a grant application or request for payment if it suspects or detects fraudulent intent.

Project Eligibility

A project may be eligible for support through the PEIBF’s Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot where costs will be incurred for broadband network construction and deployment, including “last mile” and/or backbone infrastructure.

Projects related to the maintenance of existing infrastructure or for New Customer Premises connection are not eligible for PEIBF’s Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot. More details are provided in the Eligible and Ineligible sections of this guide.

Contribution Limitation

The contribution from PEIBF’s Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot is to a maximum of 90% of the eligible costs, to a maximum contribution of $150,000, per approved projects. 

Proposal Inquiries and Questions     

Proponents are encouraged to work with Innovation PEI staff in the preparation of their application and proposal. Inquiries regarding PEIBF can be addressed by contacting 902-368-6300, toll free at 1-800-563-3734, or via email at myinternet@gov.pe.ca