Broadband Internet For Remote Areas (BIRA) Program

Broadband Internet For Remote Areas (BIRA) Program

In order to receive a minimum service level of 25mbps, many small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) will need to purchase or install additional specialized equipment. There may be many obstacles preventing SMEs from utilizing or accessing this technology, which prevents them growing their business and expanding their marketing reach. This is where the BIRA program comes in.

NEOnet will assist businesses with connectivity to high-speed technology that is available by terrestrial wired or wireless services, or upgrades to existing Ku-Band or Ka-Band to new technologies. New technologies can provide service levels to a minimum of 25Mbps download and 5Mbps upload, scalable to 50Mbps download and 10Mbps upload via satellite or fixed wireless solutions.

Interested applicants should contact MJ Filo, projects@neonet.on.ca or via telephone 705-360-1353 ext. 34, who will assist you with finding a possible vendor in your area. Once you receive a quote from the vendor, contact MJ Filo before purchasing the equipment. Once eligibility has been confirmed, and your approved equipment has been purchased, you will receive a reimbursement of up to 50% (to a maximum of $1500).

Here are the eligibility criteria:

• Must be an established business operating on a full-time basis, with a valid Canadian BIN number.
• Established seasonal businesses, such as tourism operations, are also considered eligible.
• Businesses must be located within NOHFC/FedNor Northern Ontario boundaries.

For more information on this program, click here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to MJ Filo, projects@neonet.on.ca or 705-360-1353 ext. 34

This grant is made possible with the help of Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.