Rogers makes progress on Highway 14 wireless expansion

Telecommunications giant Rogers is making progress on expanding its wireless network in BC’s remote areas. The company announced that five of seven new cellular towers are now in service on Vancouver Island, enabling coverage from Sooke to Minute Creek.

Construction is underway at the remaining towers with the full slate to be completed by Spring 2023. Once complete, 70 kilometres of new 5G highway coverage will be accessible on the southern island coast.

Why it matters: As anyone who’s packed up for a weekend road trip to Port Renfrew knows, the ability to make a call from the highway or to connect to Wi-Fi can be critical. Any effort to increase connectivity – and therefore, safety – in BC’s remote areas should be considered a positive development.

Details: Rogers indicated in a statement that it’s been working with the government to further these investments. It’s taken advantage of various B.C. programs, including a $4.9 million provincial government investment through the Connecting British Columbia program.

“Knowing there is reliable cellular service along our highways makes driving safer and more relaxing for commercial and recreational travellers alike,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, about that program. “Investments in cellular connectivity along B.C. highways is one of the best ways to ensure safety for British Columbians while on the road.”

Final words: “We are proud to light up service along this stretch of Highway 14 as we work to improve wireless connectivity for drivers and emergency responders,” said Ron McKenzie, chief technology and information officer of Rogers Communications, in a statement. “This is an important milestone as we continue investing in Western Canada to provide more seamless high-speed connectivity to fuel economic development in local Indigenous, remote and rural communities.”