Internet Plan

The PEI government has committed to reaching 95 per cent of civic addresses by June 2023 and 100 per cent in 2025 with high-speed Internet (download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps). As of December 2022, approximately 4% of civic addresses across the province do not have access to high-speed. Most underserved areas are in rural communities. Rural broadband connectivity is more challenging and expensive because of greater distance between addresses and wireless signal disruptions due to tree coverage and valleys.

What is government doing to improve broadband in rural PEI?   

The PEI government is supporting residents, businesses, communities, and Internet service providers to ensure high-speed is accessible across the province. The steps to ensure 100% connectivity are outlined in the 2022 Progress Report. Existing and future efforts include:

  • Jointly funded federal-provincial agreements signed with Bell Canada and Xplore Communications Inc. to bring high-speed to approximately 30,000 civic addresses through a combination of fixed wireless and fibre-to-the-home. These projects began in 2020 and will continue to connect Islanders until 2023. For more detailed information about these projects and the communities targeted for improved broadband, visit:
  • Broadband improvement funding is available to support residents, PEI businesses, communities, and Internet service providers in installing broadband infrastructure that provides high-speed service, specifically in rural PEI. Find more information at PEI Broadband Fund.
  • In June 2022, the Universal Broadband Fund (Government of Canada- Innovation, Science and Economic Development) announced the approval of two projects. While details are being finalized, it is anticipated that civic addresses within the remaining underserved 4 per cent will be included in these projects.

Reports

View past Broadband Connectivity Reports and information here.

Who is currently delivering Internet service in my community?

The following Internet service providers (ISPs) deliver services to households and businesses in PEI. If any ISP company is missing from this list, please notify us at myinternet@gov.pe.ca.

What should I know about Internet speeds?

Internet speed is determined by the amount of data that is downloaded or uploaded per second. The speed of this data is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). 

For information on factors, both inside and outside your home, that affect your Internet speeds and more, please visit the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) page on internet speeds.  
 

Speeds Mbps   Individual Use
internet speed 1 1-4 Mbps     
  • Email 
  • Web browsing 
  • Music streaming
internet speed 2

4-15 Mbps      

  • 720p video calling such as Zoom or Skype
  • HD 1080 video streaming (Netflix or Youtube) 
  • Education Services 
internet speed 3

15-25 Mbps         

 

  • HD streaming on multiple devices 
  • Cloud gaming
internet speed 4 25-50 Mbps
  • 4k Ultra HD video streaming 
  • Competitive online gaming 
internet speed 5 50 + Mbps
  • 4k Ultra HD video streaming 
  • Large file downloads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Devices 1-3 4-8 8-10
Light uses 5-10 Mbps 15Mbps 25Mbps
Moderate Usage 15Mbps  25Mbps   50Mbps
High Usage  25Mbps  50Mbps 100Mbps
Very High Usage     50Mbps  100Mbps 150Mbps

How does PEI regulate telecommunications?

In Canada, telecommunication networks and services are regulated through the CRTC. The  Province of PEI does not hold any regulatory power over telecommunications. For any telecommunications service issues, please reach out to the CRTC, Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services, or the Better Business Bureau.

Do you have questions?

Contact: myinternet@gov.pe.ca

 

Published date: 
February 16, 2023
Economic Development, Innovation and Trade

General Inquiries

Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
94 Euston Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 1R7

902-368-6300

innovation@gov.pe.ca