PEI Broadband Fund for Residents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.    What is the start date of the program?

• PEI Broadband Fund (PEIBF) for Residents revised program criteria effective October 19, 2023.  Applications received on or after October 19, 2023, will comply with the new program criteria.  
• Applications approved on or before October 18, 2023, will have until December 31, 2023, to submit their claims. 

2.    Can I purchase equipment before I make an application to the program?

• No, projects require prior approval before work commences or equipment is purchased. Innovation PEI may decline to cover project costs not identified in an application or made prior to the applicant receiving an approval email notification.

3.    What is the application end date?

• The Program will remain open to applications based on budget availability. 

4.    Are cottages or summer homes of full-time PEI residents eligible?

• Yes, the PEIBF for Residents is available to all residential civic addresses.  

5.   How can I learn about planned internet service coverage across PEI?

• For information about work and funding to improve internet service coverage in PEI, please visit PEI's Internet Plan. 

6.    Is HST Included?

• If the Applicant (resident) is not eligible to have HST refunded, HST will be included in the reimbursement total.   
• If the Applicant (resident) is eligible to have HST refunded, HST will not be included in the reimbursement total.  

7.    Is payment upfront required by the Applicant for reimbursement?

• Depending on which vendor is chosen, payment can be sent electronically direct to the Vendor. OR, if the Applicant paid the invoice, payment may be made direct to the Applicant’s bank account. 
  • Reimbursement to the Applicant: Once the project is approved, equipment purchased and installed, and the project complete (Applicant receiving internet), the Applicant may make a claim by submitting the invoice, proof of payment, copy of a void cheque and attesting the work has been completed.  
  • Reimbursement to the Vendor:  Once the project is approved, equipment purchased and installed, and the project complete (Applicant receiving internet), the Applicant submits the invoice, attests the work is completed, and requests payment to be sent direct to the Vendor.

8.    Is there a deadline for making a claim?

• Yes, Applicants have six months from the invoice date to make a claim.  
• If a request for payment is not received by Innovation PEI within six months after the date of the Approval Notification, the Applicant will be deemed to have declined the Fund and will have no future claim to payment from the Fund.

9.    Can businesses apply to this program?

• No, the PEIBF for Residents only accepts applications for residential civic addresses on Prince Edward Island.  Please review the information on the PEI Broadband Fund for Businesses. 

10.    Does the program include support for equipment? 

• The PEIBF for Residents is focused on providing support for solutions that will improve the ability of a qualified civic address to receive or improve access to a high-speed internet service provider in their local area (up to 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload). 
• Equipment inside the home such as modems, Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi boosters, ethernet adapters, or routers is not eligible.
• Equipment purchased prior to submission of an application and receipt of an approval email notification is not eligible.  Applications must be submitted, and an approval email notification received before an Applicant purchases equipment.

11.    Are installation costs covered?

• Yes, installation costs of required equipment may be considered by certified third-party operators to a maximum of $350 (including taxes).
• If the installation cost is greater than $350, the Applicant is responsible for the balance of the invoice.

12.    Who is responsible for the equipment and infrastructure?

• Maintenance, upgrade, or removal of equipment or infrastructure is the responsibility of the Applicant or ISP.
• Projects supported by the program, including equipment and infrastructure are owned by the Applicant.

13.    Is fibre to a home covered?

• Yes, running fibre/cable to the home down a driveway which is greater than 300 feet from the road will be considered. 
• Costs for running fibre/cable is NOT covered for the first 300 feet of driveway. 
• Connection fees are not covered.

14.    What do I do with Starlink equipment if I move?

• It is up to the resident to decide what they wish to do with their Starlink equipment. Potential options include transferring ownership of the equipment, changing the service address of the equipment, or leaving the equipment at the residence.
• If transferring ownership to new owners of the residence, instructions can be found here https://support.starlink.com/ and enter ‘How do I transfer my Starlink hardware ownership’.
• If the equipment is removed from the residence and will be used at a new address, instructions to change the service address can be found here https://support.starlink.com/ and enter ‘How do I change my service address’.
• If the equipment is left at the residence and you are wondering if you’ll be eligible to access this program for your new civic address, contact IPEI here.

15.    Can I apply for more than one location

• Yes, if you own multiple residences on PEI and the civic addresses do not have access to high speed internet, funding may be available.

16.    Can I boost my signal?

• No, signal boosting to other dwellings at a civic address and/or to neighbouring civic addresses is not an eligible activity.

17.    What if my speed is not reaching the advertised speed of the ISP?

• Residents that subscribe to or have access to 50/10 Mbps service and experience internet speeds below the advertised service, are to first contact the service provider to discuss solutions.

18.    I am having trouble submitting an application.

• Applicants should ensure the browser is up-to-date and for best results, Chrome is recommended.  
• If difficulty submitting an application continues, try another browser such as Firefox, etc., or contact Innovation PEI using the inquiry form.
• Hard copy applications can be requested by contacting Innovation PEI here. 

19.    Can I contact more than one vendor to receive advice?

• Yes, an applicant can contact more than one internet service provider and choose the best solution that works for them. 

20.    What Internet Service Providers are eligible?

• For information on internet service providers that may offer coverage in your area, please consult: Internet Plan.

21.    Can I access other IPEI supports for the project? 

• No, up to 100% funding is provided under the PEIBF for Residents.
• Civic addresses that previously received the maximum contribution from the PEI Broadband Residential Pilot are not eligible. If your service speed has significantly changed, please make an inquiry here or contact your service provider to discuss solutions.

22.    How will I know if I was approved?

• Once your application is reviewed (1–2 weeks), you will receive an email to the email address you provided in your application.  The email will let you know if your application has been approved or declined.
• Please use an active email address in your application for communication purposes and check your spam often.

23.    Do I need a permit?

• Any permit requirements are the sole responsibility of the applicant or contractor.