British Columbia’s digital infrastructure continued to expand in 2013, including new cellular coverage along highways and upgraded fibre optic connections to schools.
Over 730 kilometres of new cellular coverage along B.C.’s remote highways have been completed to date.
Under the Connecting British Columbia Agreement signed in 2011, an additional 986 kilometres is scheduled to be installed by 2017. Through this agreement, the ongoing work between government and Telus continues to be the driving force in improving overall connectivity in B.C., including highway cellular expansion.
Connectivity improvements under the CBCA include:
Over 730 kilometres of new cellular coverage along primary and secondary highways, including segments along highways 1, 3, 3A, 6, 5, 5A, 6, 16, 37, 97 and the Coquihalla Highway.
Telus spokesperson Chris Gerritsen said the company has selected six more cellular sites along Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Hope. Some of these sites will be utilized in 2014.
“We are also looking at site locations in response to community requests,” Gerritsen said, noting the communities of Sunshine Valley, Eastgate, Hedley and Anarchist Mountain.
Residents in the community of Hedley are hopeful they will see a cell tower erected in 2014 to serve that community.
