A stretch of Highway 3A east of Nelson has been brought into the modern age.
As a result of a partnership with the Province of BC, Telus has invested $600,000 in a new wireless site at Willow Point, 13 kms outside Nelson towards Balfour. The investment brings 4G wireless voice and high-speed Internet services to community residents, businesses and motorists along that stretch of Highway 3A.
The site is now live, providing service to almost 10 km of the highway as well as homes and businesses in the area.
“At Telus, we know how important wireless services are, and continue to make significant investments in our networks to expand them to our customers in the West Kootenays and right across Canada,” said Steve Jenkins, Telus general manager for the Southern Interior in a press release. “Our significant investment in a site serving Highway 3A gives motorists and Willow Point area residents and businesses the convenience of making hands-free wireless calls along a stretch of highway and around town, expanded access to 911, and great broadband service where it may not be possible to build wired Internet access.”
The project is a result of the 10-year Connecting British Columbia agreement signed with the province last year. Under the terms of the contract Telus will connect more than 1,700 kilometres of highway with wireless service. The agreement does not cost the taxpayer, but it does enable Telus to the sole provider for government services.
“This is fantastic news for everyone who travels through the Nelson and Balfour areas,” said Citizens’ Services and Open Government Minister Ben Stewart. “By working together, we’re providing new cellular coverage and expanding wireless coverage along unconnected highways – and that means safer travelling for rural families and businesses.”
The investment by Telus is part of $3 billion in technology and infrastructure upgrades being made across BC through 2014 and builds upon the $26 billion the company has already invested in operations and technology throughout the province since 2000.
