To improve connectivity services in communities and on major roadways, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced an Expression of Interest (EOI) to seek applications from communities to support up to 10 new Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Provincial Government has explored ways to reduce connectivity gaps on major highways and in rural and remote communities, where access to power and infrastructure may be a limiting factor. In 2024, as a pilot project, the Provincial Government supported the installation of two solar-powered, satellite-enabled Wi-Fi hotspots along the Burgeo Highway, providing internet connectivity and Wi-Fi calling capabilities in these two designated areas along Route 480.

As an expansion of the pilot, the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology is seeking interest from communities and economic development partners to implement the installation of additional Wi-Fi hotspots in the province.

The department will consider support for one Wi-Fi hotspot within an underserved community and up to two hotspots along a major highway. Priority will be given to communities and major highways with little to no connectivity, and submissions that express notable benefits and the ability to implement and maintain the infrastructure for project success.

Proponents must demonstrate their experience in managing initiatives of a similar size in addition to demonstrating their plans to design, install, monitor, and provide ongoing maintenance and support for a minimum of two years. Project proposals must include plans to engage with partners that have experience in providing Wi-Fi infrastructure and services.

The EOI will remain open until 10 successful pilot projects are awarded or until all pilot funding has been utilized, whichever comes first. For further details about the EOI, see the backgrounder below.

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“We are committed to working with partners to support strategic investments through innovative and best-fit solutions for connectivity improvements along major highways and in underserved areas of the province. Launching an expanded pilot for additional Wi-Fi hotspots would assist in providing immediate connectivity for residents and visitors in areas with limited coverage.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Connectivity – Industry, Energy and Technology

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BACKGROUNDER

Wi-Fi Hotspot Initiative Expression of Interest

Submissions under the Wi-Fi Hotspot Initiative must demonstrate benefits to the area, such as:

• Supporting communities, regional economic development, diversification priorities and innovative partnerships;
• Advancing opportunities for sustainable economic growth in a region or sector;
• Enhancing tourism experiences and opportunities;
• Addressing connectivity barriers for residents, organizations, and businesses;
• Improving public health and safety;
• Supporting other regional and municipal initiatives.

Eligible Proponents

Existing Newfoundland and Labrador organizations with an economic and/or community development-focused mandate, including, but not limited to:

• Municipalities/communities.
• Non-profit community, business or economic development organizations.
• Other non-profit community stakeholders including co-operatives and social enterprises.

Funding Contributions

The Department will normally consider up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $30,000 per approved site.

Submission Requirements

The following is required in preparing a submission:

1. Project Description
   • Activities of the project
   • Project goal(s)
   • Community or regional information, including population to be served, economic drivers in the area, and existing connectivity barriers
   • Project benefits and potential impact on the community, businesses, and regional economic development
   • Ability and likelihood of maintaining Hotspot(s) post-pilot

2. Proponent Details
   • Information about the organization and capacity to manage project, including
     administrative, labour, and technical capabilities
   • Brief description of any partner organizations required for project completion
   • List of all project-related contractors and consultants and their proposed roles

3. Hotspot Location Details

• • Location description and latitude/longitude coordinates, if known
  • Land ownership, permits, licenses or environmental approvals required
  • Vehicle pull-off/parking details
  • Available on-site power or solar power requirements
  • Benefits of location proposed

4. Financial Requirements
   • Budget table listing total project costs and eligible expenses, including expenditures required for the implementation, itemized per site
   • HST and relevant rebates if applicable
   • Sources of funding
   • Funding request
   • Explanatory notes, including financial ability to cover project obligations
   • For regional projects, costs and funding per community/region should be clearly identified

Evaluation Criteria

The Department reserves the right to advance projects based upon:

• Meeting eligibility criteria
• Existing and potential connectivity in communities and along major highways
• Benefits and impact in a region or community
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete the project and likelihood of maintaining Hotspot post-pilot
• Budget availability

Submissions will be evaluated based on eligibility, suitability and quality, and must meet the criteria of the initiative.

Expressions of Interest must be made in writing. Submissions are to be submitted via email to:
Dion Sheppard
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Telephone: 709-729-7274
Email: ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca