Rogers announced the activation of five new cellular towers along British Columbia’s Highway 16, delivering enhanced 911 access for all travelers and 5G wireless coverage for Rogers customers. The milestone marks substantial completion of the project, with nine of the planned 11 towers now operational.
The initiative provides 166 kilometers of 5G coverage, significantly narrowing the wireless gap along the corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George. “We are proud to close most of the wireless gap on this critical route,” said Mark Kennedy, Rogers’ Chief Technology Officer.
“This project enhances safety and connectivity, and we’re honoured to collaborate with Indigenous communities and government partners on this generational initiative.”
Once fully completed, the project will provide 252 kilometres of new cellular coverage along the 720-kilometer Highway 16 corridor, a move aimed at improving safety and addressing one of the Highway of Tears Symposium recommendations to protect Indigenous women and girls.
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Mary Teegee, an advocate for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), reflected on the significance of the achievement. “These are more than cell towers; they are lifelines for the north,” she said. “Rogers is setting a path for reconciliation through actions that honour the vision of the Highway of Tears Governing Body.”
The initiative is supported by the provincial Connecting British Columbia program and the federal Universal Broadband Fund. It underscores Rogers’ commitment to expanding connectivity in underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, contributing to the memory of those lost along the Highway of Tears.
With over $40 billion invested in its networks over the past decade, Rogers continues its leadership in connectivity. Its 5G network now spans more than 2,500 communities across Canada.
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