| Recommendation | Planned action on the recommendation | Responsible official | Target completion |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Recommendation 1: ISED's Connected Canada Branch should explore, for both current and future broadband programming, approaches to reduce geographic overlap between project proposals and explore approaches to enhance validation processes to ensure underserved areas in the recipients' project proposals are accurate. |
Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector position: The Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector agrees with the recommendation. Under the current program, applicants are responsible for proposing geographic project areas (referred to as a "blank slate" model – where applicants can apply anywhere). Applicants currently use the Eligibility Mapping Tool and draw the scope of their proposal on the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. The tool is designed to reject projects that include ineligible scopes (i.e., areas already served by high-speed Internet), but it is not built to prevent multiple applicants from applying for the same total or partial areas. This allows the program to provide advice to the Minister on potential options, including best value for money. Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector response: To support future broadband programming, a lessons learned document will be developed. This document will focus on the different UBF intakes and application processes, as well as an environmental scan of approaches taken by provincial partners, to provide forward-looking advice to the reduce the geographic overlap and accuracy of applications. |
A. Director General, Connected Canada Branch |
By October 2026 |
|
Recommendation 2: ISED's Connected Canada Branch should explore, for both current and future broadband programming, approaches to reduce the complexity of the reporting processes and further streamline bilateral contribution agreements to improve alignment. |
Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector position: The Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector agrees with the recommendation. The UBF was developed using ISED's guidelines for grants and contributions programs and efforts have been made to streamline its processes in response to the OAG's 2023 Report. For example, overall program effectiveness and timeliness has improved significantly since the electronic tracking system has been updated in 2024. To promote federal-provincial alignment where projects are co-funded under a bilateral agreement, the program has ongoing tri-lateral meetings with recipients where officials from both levels of government work together to better align the technical requirements in the provincial and federal Statements of Work. Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector response: To support future broadband programming, a lessons learned document will be developed. This document will focus on the reporting requirements placed on UBF project recipients by the federal government, and those imposed by provincial UBF MOU co-funding partners, to develop considerations for the streamlining of future programs. |
A. Director General, Connected Canada Branch |
By October 2026 |