The CRTC announced Friday that Rogers, subject to fulfilling conditions, will receive up to roughly $12 million from the CRTC’s Broadband Fund to build new cell towers to serve roughly 70 kilometres of Highway 37 in northern British Columbia.
The CRTC approved the exact amount the cable giant asked for in its application during the commission’s third call for money from the $750-million Broadband Fund.
It is expecting Rogers to complete the project within three years.
Rogers said it is looking to get new towers up on the highway between Kitwanga and Dease Lake with the latest generally deployable mobile wireless technology, which is currently LTE. The project could also provide improved wireless service to the home in adjacent communities, the CRTC noted.
“This project is a significant step in addressing public safety concerns by providing cellular coverage along a major transportation corridor,” the CRTC said in its decision.
“In accordance with the increased emphasis on meaningful community consultation in Call 3, the Commission considered the level of demonstrated community support for this application and notes the letters of support from the Chiefs of the Tahltan Band Council and the Iskut Band Council,” the regulator said.
“In these letters, community representatives described Highway 37 as a vital hub for economic activity,” it added. “They also noted that better connectivity will bring significant benefits to the region, including in areas such as health, safety, education, social and economic development, and environmental protection.”
