A 13 kilometre stretch of Highway 16, including the Telkwa townsite, now has access to cell service and wireless Internet after a new site went live recently.

A 13 kilometre stretch of Highway 16, including the Telkwa townsite, now has access to cell service and wireless Internet after a new site went live recently.

Telkwa covered by new Highway 16 cell service

Telkwa residents now have cell and wireless Internet access after a new Telus site went live.

Cell service and wireless Internet have been introduced to an additional 13 kilometres of Highway 16, including the Telkwa townsite, between Smithers and Houston.

Telus Corp. announced today its $1-million wireless site in Telkwa is now live, providing coverage to Highway 16 about 6 km north and 9 km south of the townsite.

The site was completed as part of the company’s 2011 agreement with the B.C. government to introduce cell service to more than 1,700 km of provincial highways.

Telus northern B.C. general manager Lance MacDonald said it would help improve safety along Highway 16.

“Telus’ investment in this site will ensure travellers and residents can make calls along this stretch of highway, and more critically, reach 911 in the event of an emergency,” said MacDonald.

Technology Minister Amrik Virk said the partnership with Telus had already seen new cellular coverage introduced along more than 1,500 km of B.C. highways.

“Travellers along this section of Highway 16 will appreciate this latest expansion to cellular service, improving both safety and convenience for residents and visitors,” said Virk.

Read the full story in the April 6 edition of The Interior News.

 

Smithers Interior News