My Internet speed isn't fast enough.

We know how frustrating it can be when you have to wait forever to watch videos or download software updates, or you can’t browse your favourite websites fast enough.

If you’re unhappy with your current speeds, you are free to switch Internet service providers (ISPs). ISPs are ultimately responsible for the equipment they offer, their billing and marketing practices, their quality of service and customer relations. If you have issues with your ISP, you should contact their customer service lines and escalate your concerns up to the manager level (if necessary). Otherwise, we suggest you contact the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS)^{Footnote 1}:

• Toll-free: 1-888-221-1687
• Toll-free TTY: 1-877-782-2384
• Online: http://www.ccts-cprst.ca
• By email: response@ccts-cprst.ca
• By mail: CCTS, P.O. Box 56067 - Minto Place RO, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7Z1
• By fax: 1-877-782-2924

…but what are you doing about making sure everyone has fast Internet?

Fast Internet is something we really do care about and we’re doing major things to improve Canada’s fixed Internet services for your home and work.

To close the digital divide, existing infrastructure across Canada needs to be upgraded and new infrastructure needs to be built. The CRTC has established the Broadband Fund, which will award up to $750 million over its first 5 years to help provide all Canadians with access to broadband Internet and mobile wireless services.

Applications for transport projects, mobile wireless projects along major transportation roads, and projects requiring operational funding to increase satellite transport capacity are now being accepted under the third call for applications to the Broadband Fund. Applicants have until 16 May 2023 at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time to submit their applications.

• Target Speeds: We set target speeds for broadband Internet access service across Canada. By 2030 or sooner, we expect that 100% of Canadians^{Footnote 2}will have access to broadband Internet speeds of at least:
  • 50 Mbps for downloads (data that consumers are receiving from the Internet, including visiting web sites, downloading pictures, and streaming or downloading music and movies)
  • 10 Mbps for uploads (data that consumers are sending to the Internet, e.g. uploading images)

To date, a total of 49 projects have been selected to receive funding from the Broadband Fund. As per the CRTC’s decisions, the selected projects will receive up to $226.5 million from the Fund to improve broadband Internet access services in 205 communities, representing approximately 32,655 households.

Learn more about the selected projects that will benefit from the Broadband Fund

To make sure we are tracking the Internet speeds Canadians get, we have conducted research or are in the process of conducting research in partnership with other companies. This includes:

• Ongoing. Performance Assessments: We’re assessing the performance of broadband Internet access across Canada with the help of ISPs, broadband measurement specialist SamKnows, and Canadians like you.
  • Similar to the 2016 final report, the 2020 Measuring Broadband Canada report indicates that the vast majority of participating Canadian ISPs have met or exceeded the maximum download and upload speeds they advertise.
  • What is the Measuring Broadband Canada Project?
• Ongoing. Promoting Competition: We support competition between broadband ISPs. Right now, we have rules to make companies share their networks with competitors (e.g. Rogers may own a network, but they have to share it with other ISPs, such as TekSavvy). These rules include setting the rates, terms, and conditions for services that enable wholesale buyers to access fibre networks. This means that you’ll have more choices for high-speed Internet access.

You might also be interested in reading more about the various programs that support high-speed Internet access for all Canadians, especially in rural and remote communities.

Date modified:

2023-03-13