Funding was announced on Tuesday (March 21) to help bring better cell coverage to highways across the province.
Minister of CitizensB次元官网网址� Services Lisa Beare was in Campbell River to announce the $75 million fund to help projects that expand cellular service to at least another 550 kilometres of highway over the next four years.
The fund is an expansion on a $15 million provincial investment for cell coverage on highways. That investment has been put to use on projects including a stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert B次元官网网址� known as the Highway of Tears.
B次元官网网址淎ccess to cellular coverage is important when on the road, especially when travelling through remote and rural areas,B次元官网网址� said Lisa Beare, Minister of CitizensB次元官网网址� Services. B次元官网网址淲ith the provinceB次元官网网址檚 investment in new cellular infrastructure, weB次元官网网址檙e making it possible for more people to stay connected to their loved ones while travelling and have access to emergency 911 and other services via mobile connectivity.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to make sure that whether itB次元官网网址檚 for increasing tourism or increasing supply chain corridor safety or just making sure you can connect with your loved ones, that you have that ability to do so.B次元官网网址�
Beare also announced North Island MLA Michele BabchukB次元官网网址檚 new role as premierB次元官网网址檚 liaison for connectivity. Babchuk and Beare both acknowledged the need for improved cell service in the region, particularly along Highway 19 north of Campbell River.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e standing here right in the foot of Highway 19. We very much understand the need for these kind of investments on this exact type of highway, which is why weB次元官网网址檝e created the program,B次元官网网址� Beare said.
B次元官网网址淭odayB次元官网网址檚 announcement to improve access to cellular services means that people travelling on our highways will have more confidence knowing they can access maps, search for roadside services along their route, or call for help in case of an emergency,B次元官网网址� said Babchuk. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 so happy and looking forward to cellular connectivity developments on our beautiful highways. I know as well as many in this room that travel especially around our riding that this is something thatB次元官网网址檚 been needed for a long time.B次元官网网址�
The lack of cell service on rural and remote highways makes emergency situations even more dangerous in these areas. Campbell River RCMP Sgt. Kimberley Rutherford spoke at the announcement, saying that she has experience working in remote areas, and B次元官网网址渢he length of time it currently takes to even let someone know you are lost or in trouble makes a bad situation even worse.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淢aking a phone call, something we take for granted in the bigger centers, brings piece of mind for motorists and their loved ones with more remote areas,B次元官网网址� Rutherford said. B次元官网网址淥ften youB次元官网网址檒l find emergency responders such as myself in these rural areas working alone. Having cell service to be able to call a supervisor or call a medical professional is a very valuable tool that helps us deal with complex situations.B次元官网网址�
The funding is part of the provinceB次元官网网址檚 StrongerBC plan. It is being administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The funds will be available as part of a competitive application process, and more information about funding eligibility will be made available later this year.
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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
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