// Helping Northeastern Ontario get connected

BIRA (Broadband Internet for Remote Areas)

Traditional connectivity may not be available for many small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and will require the purchase or installation of additional or specialized equipment in order to achieve the minimum service level of 25mbps. The Broadband Internet for Remote Areas fund will assist rural and remote small-medium businesses located in Northern Ontario.

This non-repayable grant opportunity reimburses eligible applicants 50% (up to a maximum of $1,500.00) towards the purchase of hardware, installation, labour fees and shipping towards upgraded or new broadband or satellite internet. 

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.

Business Eligibility Criteria

  • Is an established, privately owned business

  • Is a registered business, and/or incorporated, in Ontario or Canada, and can provide a valid business number or corporation number.

  • Is Owned and operated by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • Is a for-profit business

  • Has between 1-499 full-time equivalent employees OR a minimum $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year

  • Is a full-time or established seasonal businesses (such as tourism operations, construction, agriculture, fishing, and forestry)

  • Is a business located within NOHFC Northern Ontario boundaries

  • Is not a remote or home-office location in which staff are working remotely from home offices, and where primary business activities do not take place.

  • Is not a hobby and/or part-time business

  • Is not a franchise, which includes franchise businesses that are individually owned and operated.

  • Is not a Not-for-Profit organization or business owned by such organizations including charities, unions, religious groups or fraternal organizations, in which revenue is dependent on direct government funding, grants, and/or private donations.

NEOnet Inc. reserves the right to determine who is eligible or ineligible, as determined by the funding agreement with NOHFC and project goals, on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible Costs

  • Hardware and peripherals

  • Installation charges, including travel (calculated at

  • Shipping and handling fees

Ineligible Costs

Ongoing costs (monthly service fees) are not eligible.

To ensure that you are eligible please consult with our staff BEFORE purchasing the equipment. All applicants must meet with a staff member to review project goals, quotes, and eligibility.

Terms and Conditions of Payment

  • Eligible applicants may receive a reimbursement of up to 50% to a maximum of $1,500.

  • Applicants will select a vendor; staff are available to assist you with the possible vendor in your area.

  • You must complete a short exit survey/program evaluation for a claim to be processed.

  • Once NEOnet has received all requisite documents, reviewed the final report, and the applicant has satisfied all other program requirements, we will issue reimbursement.

NEOnet Inc. will provide, on request, information in an accessible format or with communication supports to people with disabilities, in a manner that takes into account the individuals disability.

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