According to a recent study by Blue Sky Net reviewing Northern Ontario's status when it comes to high-speed internet access, the federal and provincial governments understand the importance of high-quality internet access.
In fact, as Blue Sky Net notes in its Northern Ontario Broadband Report, both governments have set a target for 50/10 Mbps internet access — with Canada aiming for every household to reach that benchmark by 2030 and Ontario striving to attain that threshold even sooner, by 2025.
Although federal data as of 2021 shows 91 per cent of Canadian households had access to fixed high-speed internet, a recent report by Auditor General Karen Hogan found that there was a significant digital divide between rural and remote communities and larger urban centres. The AG report found rural and remote communities were currently at 59.5 per cent high-speed internet access.
Where does Northern Ontario Fit into this Picture?
Using the latest available data from the federal government, Blue Sky Net found of the 285 Northern Ontario communities, only 74 had at least 50 per cent of their households able to access 50/10Mbps fixed high-speed internet. Of those 74 communities, only 47 had at least 75 per cent of households accessing 50/10 Mbps internet.
The study also found smaller communities in Northern Ontario felt the impact of this digital divide the hardest. According to census data from Statistics Canada, of the 285 Northern Ontario Communities, 187 had populations under 1,000 and only 41 of these communities had at least 50 per cent of their households able to access 50/10 Mbps internet.
Northern Ontarian Speed Test Results
Blue Sky Net has been partnering with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) to conduct speed tests throughout Northern Ontario to better understand the broadband landscape.
Between 2020-2022, 31,895 speed tests were recorded and over that time, it was found the median speed test result improved from 4.88Mbps (download speed) to 20.21Mbps in 2022. Although these speed tests can be taken by cell phone and satellite internet users, this shows a somewhat positive trend towards improved broadband in Northern Ontario.
Challenges in Developing Broadband Networks
Northern Ontario is a vibrant and diverse region with spectacular natural terrain that rests on the Canadian Shield. However, those natural features that make Northern Ontario unique and beautiful also present challenges in developing broadband networks, according to Blue Sky Net. The tough bedrock, hilly regions,
lakes, and long distances between communities present financial barriers for private network expansion where the potential return on investment is strained. Further, a "one-shoe-fits-all" approach to internet technologies may not work because of Northern Ontario's diverse topography.
Optimism for the Future
The Northern Ontario Broadband report demonstrates a gradual improvement in broadband access throughout Northern Ontario. Presently there are 73 recently completed, announced or in-progress broadband projects throughout the region. Blue Sky Net anticipates this improvement will continue as both the
federal and provincial governments continue to invest in broadband projects that help facilitate network expansion in areas where internet service providers have a difficult business case.
Blue Sky Net (Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation) is a not-for-profit organization located in North Bay and operating since 2002. Its mission is to promote the development and adoption of digital technologies.
To read the full Northern Ontario Broadband Report, click here.
Resources for Northern Ontario broadband mapping, research and learning can be found at www.connectednorth.ca.
