Founded in 2013 as the Canadian Association of Wireless Internet Service Providers (CanWISP), the association was created to provide a unified voice for independent wireless internet service providers serving communities across Canada. At a time when many rural and remote Canadians lacked access to reliable broadband services, CanWISP members played a critical role in bridging the digital divide through innovative fixed wireless networks and community-focused investment. Over the past decade, the association has grown into a respected national advocate, representing members before government departments, regulators, and industry stakeholders while fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and industry development.

At the 2026 Annual General Meeting, members approved a new name for the organization: the Canada-Wide Internet Service Providers Association, while retaining the well-recognized CanWISP acronym. The name change reflects the evolution of both the association and its membership. Today, members operate a diverse range of facilities-based networks, including fibre, fixed wireless, hybrid fibre-wireless, and other broadband technologies. Building on by-law changes approved in 2025, the new name better represents the broad range of independent providers that make up the association while maintaining its longstanding commitment to supporting competition, innovation, and connectivity for Canadians in urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the country.