Whereas the lack of cellular service along many highways throughout British Columbia poses significant safety concerns, impeding the ability of motorists to communicate in emergencies, access navigation services, or contact roadside assistance; and hampers economic development by limiting opportunities for businesses and travelers to stay connected and conduct transactions while on the move; And whereas advancements in cellular and satellite technology have made it increasingly feasible to extend coverage to previously underserved areas, including highways, through the deployment of new cell towers and signal booster infrastructure: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of BC to advance the installation of new cellular infrastructure along sections of Highway 16 East from Prince George to the Alberta border, and other British Columbia highways, without adequate cell service, prioritizing the safety, connectivity, and economic well-being of our citizens and travelers, and to work collaboratively with telecommunications companies, government agencies, rail transportation sectors and other stakeholders to identify optimal locations for new cellular infrastructure, ensuring efficient deployment and minimal disruption to surrounding communities.
Ministry of Citizens Services Cellular connectivity along highways improves public safety and access to emergency services especially along rural and remote stretches. BC has about 15,000 kilometres of primary and secondary highways, with approximately 4,200 kilometres lacking cellular coverage. Of the sections with no cellular coverage, only 1,100 kilometres have access to available power which is necessary for cell towers to operate. Telecommunications are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. While the Province cannot direct service providers as to where and when they expand their networks, the provincial government has conveyed the need to expand cellular service in BC so that emergency services like 9-1-1 can be accessed anywhere. Since 2017, the Government of BC has allocated 90 million to incentivize expanding cell service across BC. The Province is working with telecommunication service providers to identify opportunities for investment, as well as providing support for permitting associated with cellular projects. The Cellular Expansion Fund, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust, offers financial support to service providers for installing new towers and expanding cellular services along primary and secondary highways, benefiting communities along these routes. Northern Development Initiative Trust will continue to accept Cellular Expansion Fund project applications until funding has been fully allocated. The Province is committed to working with regional, local and First Nation governments, and service providers to increase mobile connectivity and is also closely monitoring emergency communications technologies that will expand mobile connectivity across the province, including satellite to cellular capabilities under development by multiple service providers. Newer iPhones are able to call 9-1-1 using satellite SOS technology today.