Bell and the New Brunswick government on Tuesday announced a joint initiative to expand wireless infrastructure across the province with plans to build 10 new 4G/5G cell sites in rural and remote areas.
The new wireless sites will be located in Oak Hill, Hibernia Heights (Saint John County), Upham, South Saint-Norbert, Grand River, Harcourt, Bettsburg, McGraw Brook, Riceville (Madawaska County), and Saint-Quentin. Construction work is expected to begin in 2026, according to a Bell press release.
Bell said the new sites will provide more New Brunswickers with access to Bell’s 5G and 5G+ networks, improving access to healthcare, education, public safety, tourism services and staying connected with loved ones. The expanded coverage will also support New Brunswick businesses and the province’s economy, Bell said.
“We’re proud to partner with the Government of New Brunswick to expand wireless coverage and ensure residents, businesses and visitors across the province have access to fast, reliable wireless service,” said Mark McDonald, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Bell, in the press release. “This collaboration reflects Bell’s ongoing objective to work with governments under the right conditions to build projects that deliver the network reliability Canadians expect today and into the future.”
“This partnership is the first step to closing the cellular coverage gaps across New Brunswick,” said René Legacy, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board and deputy premier of New Brunswick, in a statement. “Reliable connectivity no matter where you are in the province is necessary to ensure the timely delivery of essential services, including public safety. We are pleased that Bell has come to the table to collaborate on this initiative.”
Bell said it has invested more than $1.1 billion in broadband and wireless infrastructure across New Brunswick over the last 10 years. It currently operates more than 515 wireless sites in the province, more than all other providers combined, it said.
Photo courtesy of Bell
