The goal is to reach as close to 100% of Nova Scotians as possible with reliable, quality internet service. This is taking place through the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative, led by Build Nova Scotia.
The Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program expanded as of November 2022 to accept applications from all residents and business owners across the province who are currently unserved by high-speed wired or wireless internet. Projects previously announced through the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative continue to advance. This will provide an interim solution for many Nova Scotians.
The rebate, which continues into 2024, will cover the one-time costs for eligible homes and businesses to set-up satellite internet, including hardware, taxes, shipping and installation, up to a maximum of $1,000.
The rebate also remains available to the approximate 3,700 homes and businesses for which no feasible wired or wireless internet solution has been found as well as addresses previously identified as not receiving high-speed access until after the end of 2023.
You can check if your location is eligible in the search tool with the search bar. Start by typing in the civic number(s).
If eligible, and you are interested in taking part in the program, you will first need to purchase the hardware from a qualified satellite internet provider. Their high-speed satellite product must meet or exceed CRTC minimum speed targets of 50 Mbps download/10 Mbps.
Currently, Starlink has indicated that they can meet or exceed these minimum speeds. We would encourage you to reach out to the providers to determine which product best suits your needs. If other satellite providers can meet these minimum speeds, they could also become eligible.
For those in a project area with a wired solution currently underway, once access is available, you can decide to switch from satellite to the wired service. Focus remains to continue to advance projects wherever possible.
Build Nova Scotia’s work to provide high-speed internet service throughout Nova Scotia is grounded in the use of a variety of technologies, including satellite, wireless and wired internet services.
Learn more on how it works, here.