Approval of Northwestel Broadband Fund Holdback Report
Summary
The CRTC issued Telecom Order 2026-58 approving the holdback report submitted by Northwestel Inc. on 15 December 2025. The Commission determined that Northwestel's project met applicable requirements under Telecom Order CRTC 2021-135 and has been operating the network for one year in compliance with approved conditions of service. The Central Fund Administrator is directed to distribute the previously withheld payment to Northwestel.
What changed
The CRTC approved the holdback report for Northwestel Inc., a broadband funding recipient, confirming the company has operated its funded network for one year in accordance with the conditions set out in the original funding decision (Telecom Order CRTC 2021-135). The Commission found the project fulfills the objectives of the Broadband Fund and meets all applicable requirements.
This approval enables the Central Fund Administrator to release the withheld payment to Northwestel. Regulated entities and stakeholders in the broadband funding program should note this as a routine administrative milestone confirming compliance with funding conditions rather than a new regulatory requirement or policy change.
Source document (simplified)
Telecom Order CRTC 2026-58
Reference: 2021-135
Gatineau, 1 April 2026
Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0191
Broadband Fund payment order – Approval of a holdback report – March 2026
- The Commission approves the holdback report submitted by the following broadband funding recipient as set out below. The Commission considers that the project has met the applicable requirements and is fulfilling the objectives of the Broadband Fund. The holdback report demonstrates that the recipient has been operating the network for one year in accordance with the conditions of service set out in its respective funding decision and approved statement of work. The Commission directs the Central Fund Administrator to distribute the payment to the recipient associated with the holdback.
| Recipient | Submission date | Statement of work order reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Northwestel Inc. | 15 December 2025 | Telecom Order CRTC 2021-135 |
Secretary General
Date modified:
2026-04-01
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