Making high-speed internet faster and more accessible in Ontario
Use this guideline to help expedite the installation and delivery of high-speed internet projects.
Executive summary
We are working to improve access to high-speed internet across the province with a goal of 100 per cent connectivity by the end of 2025.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Ontario developed the Building Broadband Faster Act guideline, in partnership with stakeholders and partner ministries, to expedite the delivery of designated high-speed internet projects. The guideline was released on November 30, 2021. This updated version reflects new legislation and regulations that have been put in place since November 2021. Together these changes will help stakeholders develop and deliver high-speed internet projects faster by streamlining processes and removing barriers that may result in additional costs and delays.
In summary, the guideline:
- sets out required processes and timelines when internet service providers (ISPs) work with local distribution companies (LDCs), municipalities and other parties to deploy internet fibre. This includes third-party hydro pole attachments, accessing rights-of-way (ROW) to deploy fibre underground and use of dedicated locators to identify and mark underground infrastructure
- introduces a new information and data gathering platform, Broadband One Window (BOW), an electronic system to support timely approvals, permitting and locate decisions related to high-speed internet projects
- establishes the role of a new Technical Assistance Team (TAT) that provides support, informal advice and assistance to municipalities, internet service providers and LDCs on the implementation of the guideline and implementation of provincial high-speed internet projects
This guideline is meant to be used by stakeholders involved in provincially funded high-speed internet projects, which may include:
- local distribution companies (LDC)
- internet service providers (ISP)
- telecommunications service providers (TSPs)
- Ontario One Call and their respective members
- dedicated locators
- municipalities
It will also be of interest to other parties, including:
- other ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Ministry of Transportation
- Indigenous communities
- government partners, such as the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
Disclaimer
If you require this information in an alternative format, please email broadband@ontario.ca. We will:
- acknowledge your request within three business days
- provide you with the content within 15 business days