Rural Broadband Subsidies in Canada: Federal and Provincial 2026

Federal and provincial governments fund rural broadband to close Canada’s digital divide. Some subsidies apply to Starlink, some go to other providers. Here’s what’s available, who qualifies, and whether you can rebate part of your Starlink costs.

Federal: Universal Broadband Fund (UBF)

$3.225 billion fund (2020-2030) administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Goal: connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed internet (50/10 Mbps minimum) by 2026, 100% by 2030.

• Who applies: Internet Service Providers (Bell, Telus, Rogers, Xplore, Starlink, etc.). NOT individuals.
• Direct consumer benefit: rural Canadians get fibre/wireless to their door from UBF-funded projects, often Bell rural fibre or Rogers 5G fixed wireless
• Starlink and UBF: Starlink has won UBF contracts in remote Indigenous communities (Nunavut, NWT, Northern Ontario) and operates them at subsidized rates

To check if your community has a UBF-funded project: ised-isde.canada.ca/high-speed-internet-canada

Provincial programs

Ontario: Up to Speed

$2.8B program through Infrastructure Ontario. Focused on connecting 1.2M unconnected households by 2025 (extended to 2026). Most funds go to Bell Canada and Rogers for rural fibre and 5G. Direct Starlink rebates: limited to specific Northern Ontario Indigenous communities.

British Columbia: Connecting British Columbia

$830M program. Administered by Network BC. Funds rural internet projects including Starlink for remote Indigenous communities. Individual rebates rare. Some Regional Districts (Mount Waddington, Stikine) cover Starlink hardware costs for eligible residents.

Alberta: SuperNet

Established 2005, focuses on government and education broadband. Doesn’t directly subsidize Starlink. However, Alberta’s Rural Connectivity Loan and Grant Program (RCL) helps farmers and ranchers rebate up to $5,000 for connectivity infrastructure including satellite. Check with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.

Saskatchewan: SaskTel infiNET expansion

SaskTel is the dominant provider; provincial funds focus on infiNET fibre rollout. No direct Starlink rebates. Some Indigenous communities access satellite through Indigenous Services Canada (federal).

Manitoba: Manitoba Hybrid Wireless Project

Federal-provincial joint program rolling out 5G fixed wireless and fibre. Northern Manitoba communities (Thompson, Flin Flon, The Pas) increasingly served by Bell MTS. Direct Starlink rebates limited.

Quebec: Programme Internet haute vitesse (ended March 2026)

Quebec ran a Starlink hardware subsidy through March 2026. This program has ended. Quebec is now focused on the federal-provincial Operation Internet that connects underserved areas via fibre and 5G.

New Brunswick: NB-IRC

The Internet Rural and Coastal Initiative covers 25% of installation costs for some rural NB residents using Starlink. Apply through Service New Brunswick. Income-tested.

Nova Scotia: Develop Nova Scotia Internet

$193M to expand fibre and wireless rural coverage by Bell and Eastlink. Limited direct consumer rebates. Some Mi’kmaw communities have Starlink installations partially funded by Indigenous Services Canada.

Prince Edward Island: Rural Broadband Initiative

$15M federal-provincial focused on Bell Aliant fibre. No direct Starlink rebates.

Newfoundland & Labrador: Tech Future NL

$50M for rural broadband. Targets outports and Labrador. Bell Aliant and Xplore primary recipients. Some Innu communities have Starlink installations subsidized federally.

Yukon, NWT, Nunavut

Federal Northern Connectivity Fund + Indigenous Services Canada. Starlink is the major beneficiary of these funds since fibre is impractical in much of the territories. Several First Nations and Inuit communities have Starlink installations entirely covered by federal Indigenous programs.

How to find subsidies for YOU

1. Indigenous resident: check with your Band Council or Inuit Community Government for Indigenous Services Canada satellite internet programs
2. Farmer / rancher: check provincial agriculture department for connectivity rebates (AB has the strongest)
3. Small business in rural Canada: check Regional Innovation Centres or Community Futures Development Corporations for digital transformation funding
4. Senior (65+): some provinces have senior-targeted broadband programs (NS, NB)
5. Generally rural / low-income: federal Connecting Families program offers $20/month Bell rural DSL but doesn’t cover Starlink

Federal Tax Treatment

If you use Starlink for work-from-home (employed, self-employed, business owner), a portion may be tax-deductible:

• Employed work-from-home: T2200 form from employer + percentage based on home office square footage. Typically 20-30% of internet costs deductible.
• Self-employed / Sole proprietor: full business-use portion deductible. If 100% used for business: full $75/month. Mixed use: prorate.
• Business owner / corporation: full deduction as business expense. Reimburse yourself for the home office portion.

This isn’t subsidies per se, but reduces your real Starlink cost by your marginal tax rate (typically 30-50%).

Subsidies FAQ

Is the Quebec Starlink subsidy still active?

No. The Quebec satellite subsidy program ended March 31, 2026. No replacement announced as of June 2026.

Does the Universal Broadband Fund pay for my Starlink?

Not directly. UBF funds ISPs (Bell, Telus, Starlink, others) to build out service. Individual consumers can’t apply. You benefit indirectly via expanded coverage and sometimes subsidized rates in specific communities.

Can I claim Starlink on my income tax?

Partial deduction if used for work-from-home or business. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Are there Starlink discount programs for seniors or low-income?

Starlink does not directly offer senior or low-income discounts. Some provincial programs (NB, NS) cover part of the installation cost income-tested. The Connecting Families federal program at $20/month is Bell-only, not Starlink.

*1 month of free Starlink service (equal to your plan) automatically credited 30 days after activation when you order through our official referral link RC-DF-7650727-61403-46. Official SpaceX program. No extra cost for you: same price as starlink.com. FastSat.ca also receives a free month, which funds the site.