On behalf of the Ontario government, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) has entered the next stage of its Satellite Internet competitive selection process. After conducting thorough evaluations of received submissions, IO has invited two qualified Satellite Internet Service Providers (Satellite ISPs) to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) to deliver satellite internet service for approximately 43,000 homes and businesses across the province based on their relevant capacity and deployment experience.
As the first competitive process of its kind in Canada, the Satellite Program will leverage modern technology to provide high-speed internet access (50/10 Mbps) to unserved and underserved homes and businesses across rural Ontario where fibre optic or fixed wireless services are not available.
The two Satellite ISPs were selected based on criteria identified through a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in August 2023. Selection criteria included technical, financial, and other requirements to deliver a program of this size and complexity.
The qualified Satellite ISPs are:
- SpaceX Canada Corp.
- Xplore Inc.
Satellite ISPs will now begin preparing proposals that detail how they will feasibly deliver these programs. Once submissions are received, IO will evaluate the proposals, select a preferred Satellite ISP, and then negotiate a final contract. A successful bidder is expected to be announced in Summer 2024. A fairness monitor will oversee the entire competitive process.
Featured image: (Canada Infrastructure Bank)
