Broadband network feedback from Internet service providers

In support of the ongoing delivery of programs to enhance broadband Internet services in Canada, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), receives information on Internet coverage from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), directly from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), public sources, Canadians, and provincial and territorial governments.

The resulting information forms the National Broadband Data; comprehensive data and maps that describe Internet service availability across Canada. For more information about the National Broadband Data, please visit the online National Broadband Map and associated information page.

ISED regularly seeks feedback from ISPs to ensure that this information is current and complete for both wholesale high-capacity backbone service and retail last-mile broadband Internet service availability. If you have information regarding current service availability that is not accurately reflected in the maps, please provide this feedback using the procedure below to help ISED to update them.

Feedback on your broadband network

The Broadband Coverage Information Submission Form (ISED-ISDE3708E) must be used to submit your feedback. The coverage files must accompany your submission and must follow the format described below. Any last mile or transport data submitted will be included in future updates to the maps and will be used to guide and assist in the delivery of broadband programs such as those delivered by ISED.

Disclosure: While your submission will remain confidential, please note that the information collected will be used to improve ISED's public National Broadband Map and as such, will be shared with the CRTC.

Feedback on your last-mile network

Use the Last Mile Services section of the form to capture as much information as possible about your last mile network and attach your data files using the Add Attachments button on the form.

Last mile coverage

Last mile network coverage information must be submitted in a geocoded format. The file format should be a Geographic Information System (GIS) file containing individual geocoded coverage shapes. Most GIS formats are acceptable; however, MapInfo or KML/KMZ are preferred.

The GIS file should contain coverage shapes (polygons) which geospatially capture areas for which residential service is available. For wired services, it is recommended to add a 50 metre buffered area to each side of the road where service is available to accurately represent service availability. For wireless services, coverage shapes should best approximate service availability based on terrain and signal strength.

It is recommended to assign metadata to the coverage shapes. Coverage metadata can consist of these four elements:

  • Maximum Internet download speed that is offered under the coverage
  • Maximum Internet upload speed that can offered under the coverage
  • Access technology used to connect households
  • Backbone technology that provides network capacity

Refer to the following package (ZIP file, 517 KB) for coverage file examples.

Last mile services using wireless technology

If your broadband service uses wireless technology, additional information about your network must be provided.

To further characterize the unique properties of last mile services delivered using wireless technologies, additional technical information is requested. If your broadband service uses wireless technology you must provide information about tower locations, antennas and technology used within your network.

Complete the appropriate table in the form. Alternatively, you can use the template in the following package (ZIP file, 517 KB) and attach it to the form.

Disclosure: ISED is now collecting additional technical information about wireless services in order to assess the capacity to deliver services throughout the coverage area. For more information, please refer to the Communications Research Centre (CRC) technical report on the Capability Evaluation of Fixed Wireless Access Systems to Deliver Broadband Internet Service.

Last mile services pricing and internet usage information

ISED also seeks information related to publicly advertised and available residential and business pricing for last mile broadband Internet services. This is requested for the purpose of evaluating the relative affordability of last mile broadband services. Please complete the appropriate table in the form.

Feedback on your backbone network

Please use the Backbone or Transport Services section of the form to capture as much information as possible about your transport network and attach your data files using the Add Attachments button on the form.

Points of presence

ISED seeks location-based information on transport network Points of Presence (POP) for the purpose of identifying the availability of transport infrastructure to communities and 3rd parties. The proximity to communities and capacity of these POPs may be evaluated as a means of estimating overall network capacity.

Complete the corresponding Points of Presence table as laid out in the form. Alternatively, you can use this template and attach it to form.

Geographic transport network information

In addition to the Points of Presence table, you may also submit a map of your network backbone.

Geographic transport network information must be submitted in a geocoded format. The file format should be a GIS file containing individual geocoded transport routes. Most GIS formats are acceptable; however, MapInfo or KML/KMZ are preferred.

Refer to the template (ZIP file, 16 KB) for transport map file examples.

Information pertaining to detailed network route map information will be kept confidential to ISED.

Submitting your feedback

Please submit the form and all associated data files to ic.broadband-largebande.ic@canada.ca.

If you need assistance compiling your mapping data or want to verify what information ISED has, please contact us.