Lifestyle
Canada — Living: Internet
The CRTC's Universal Service Objective targets minimum 50/10 Mbps unlimited broadband for 98% of Canadian households by end of 2026 and 100% by 2031; over 96% of Canadian dwellings already have access to service meeting or exceeding this target. Since February 2025, the CRTC has required the largest telephone companies to open their fibre networks to competitors, enabling new entrants to offer home internet, TV, phone, and smart-home services to up to 8.5 million households. The CRTC's Broadband Fund has helped connect over 54,000 homes and build roughly 6,000 km of fibre to underserved communities, though rural areas, the Territories, and First Nations reserves remain comparatively underserved despite steady improvement.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Key facts
- CRTC target: 98% of households with 50/10 Mbps+ unlimited broadband by end of 2026, 100% by 2031.
- 96%+ of Canadian dwellings already have access to service meeting the Universal Service Objective.
- Since Feb 2025, competitors can use major telcos' fibre networks, opening choice to up to 8.5 million households.
- CRTC Broadband Fund has connected 54,000+ homes and built ~6,000 km of fibre to underserved communities.
Timelines
- 98% household coverage target (50/10 Mbps+): End of 2026
- 100% coverage target: By 2031