CANARIE - The Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry, and Education, initiative was first proposed in 1988 to link Canadian universities and research organizations. It was established in 1993 with the support of Industry Canada. Its members include carriers, information technology and content providers, universities, non-profit organizations, provincial and federal government departments, equipment suppliers and consultants. Ca*Net provides the actual data communications circuits.

Ca*Net, the Canadian Internet backbone, is owned by Ca*Net Networking Inc. Ca*Net grew out of the University of Toronto link to the U.S. Internet. Ca*Net was established in 1990. Ca*Net links Canadian universities and large Canadian ISPs. Bell Canada provided communications services and network management for Ca*Net and CANARIE. Ca*Net has 10 regional hubs. Ca*Net is run by Ca*Net Networking Inc. which is part of CANARIE inc.