From small businesses processing transactions and students learning virtually, to automated vehicles like tractors and buses, reliable high-speed connectivity is no longer simply a nice-to-have, it’s a necessary utility for modern life enabling every sector of the economy and empowering citizens to connect to the world.
Access to regional broadband is about building digital pipelines for a digital market. Access to the internet ensures students can learn, businesses can take part in the digital economy, and families can stay connected to what matters.
Many areas within the Region experience problems connecting to reliable internet and experience connectivity rates below Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) speed targets.
Regional broadband study
In 2020, the EMRB undertook the first comprehensive regional study of the state of broadband in the Region, which identified challenges and opportunities related to connectivity and digital infrastructure in the Region.
Read the study (PDF, 606 KB)
Our socio-economic impact analysis estimated the Region could add up to $1B of GDP if we reach 100 Mbps, equivalent to over $1,100 per household per year.
Poor connectivity is a barrier to growth impacting rural counties, towns and even cities in the Region.
Regional data update
Working collaboratively, regional municipalities have shared data and coordinated planning to support a regional advocacy strategy to improve connectivity and investment in digital infrastructure.
A review undertaken in 2023 shares updated information regarding existing broadband infrastructure, planned deployments, and progress made since 2020. Current service level data was also collected to measure progress towards achieving universal connectivity in the Region.
View the update