Current Phase
Projects are currently underway that will deliver reliable, high-speed Internet access to 99.99%* of homes and businesses across the province. We believe Nova Scotia will be among the first provinces in Canada to reach this level of coverage.
As of early April 2024, approximately 95,680 have access either through traditional Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative projects or the Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program. To date, we have approximately 98.4% coverage with access to connections continuing and close to 99.9% with satellite option.
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, 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.
The program expanded to residents and business owners who are not expected to gain access to wired or wireless internet until after Dec. 31, 2023.
To date, the Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust has approved a total of $184.9M, leveraging an additional $189.7M from other funders, including $138.8M 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 2024. 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 $15M 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.