Current Phase
The Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative is nearing completion. The majority of projects are now complete and the small number of remaining project areas are underway to deliver reliable, high-speed Internet access to close to 100% * of homes and businesses across the province. We believe Nova Scotia is among the first provinces in Canada to reach this level of coverage.
The initiative has well exceeded its original target of 95%. To date, more than 103,000 homes and businesses have access to high-speed internet through the project. This has been achieved through a mix of technologies - fibre/wired, fixed wireless, and the satellite rebate option - with a mix of qualified service providers.
Approximately 103,000 homes and businesses were identified as underserved when the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative project started. This means approximately 75% had access at that time.
For remaining underserved locations, the Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program, currently remains available and covers the one-time costs for eligible homes and businesses to set-up satellite internet with a qualified provider, including hardware, taxes, shipping, and installation, up to a maximum of $1,000.
The rebate also currently remains available to the approximate 3,500 homes and businesses for which no feasible wired or wireless internet solution has been found. Many of these locations are remote and/or seasonal dwellings.
To date, the Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust has approved a total of $185.8M, leveraging an additional $196.9M from other funders, which includes $146M from the private sector. The Province invested an additional $8.5M for the satellite rebate program, through the Trust.
All projects approved to date for funding by the Trust provide at least target speeds required by the CRTC (50 Mbps down/10 Mbps up for wired, 25 Mbps down/5 Mbps up for wireless, with a demonstrated plan to reach 50 Mbps). Many are greatly exceeding these speeds.
*Assumes completion of Pictou County’s independent project. Reflects knowledge there may be some premises that cannot be reached overall.
While many projects are complete or substantially complete, the completion of some project areas has shifted into 2025. Visit our FAQ page for more information.
With COVID-19, we worked with our Internet Service Providers to review all current projects with an aim to go faster where possible. Some acceleration efforts took place for first round projects with up to $15 million available from the Trust as part of the $193M.
We continue to look at options to advance projects where possible. We also continue to work to eliminate red tape, speed-up regulatory approvals and ensure better coordination among all of the people working to bring service to your doors.
We are committed to providing access to as close to 100% of Nova Scotian homes and businesses as possible.