The CRTC has revealed the criteria that will be used to evaluate applications for funding from its $750-million Broadband Fund, established to improve broadband internet access in underserved areas.

The fund, to be dispersed over five years, aims to close the gap in connectivity between rural and urban areas. CRTC targets suggest Canadians should have access to speeds of at least 50 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads, as well as access to mobile wireless services including on major transportation roads.

The commission says it will begin the competitive process to evaluate and select projects that build or upgrade infrastructure in underserved areas in 2019.

“Canadians living in rural and other underserved areas need high-quality broadband Internet and mobile wireless service to fully participate in the digital economy and to access health care, education, government and public safety services. Today’s decision marks a key milestone in setting up the Broadband Fund, which will facilitate access to these services to thousands of Canadians across the country,” said Ian Scott, CRTC chair and CEO, in a press release.

The commission says resources for applicants will be made available in the coming months, including an application guide, application forms and maps. Details will be outlined in a future announcement.