VANCOUVER – Telus is helping to bring wireless service to B.C.’s Fraser Canyon for the first time.
As part of a 10-year agreement called Connecting British Columbia signed with the provincial government earlier this year, Telus has pledged to connect more than 1,700 km of Highway 1 with wireless service, run fibre optic cable directly to some 450 B.C. schools, and make faster Internet speeds available to Internet service providers who use Telus’ infrastructure.
The first of five new wireless sites serving the Fraser Canyon are now active, bringing 4G wireless voice and high-speed Internet services to motorists along Highway 1, community residents, businesses and visitors in Dogwood, Spuzzum, Yale, Boston Bar, Keefers and surrounding areas. All five sites will be operational early next year.
“This $4 million investment will allow motorists to connect on their wireless devices along significant stretches of Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon, whether it’s to dial 911 in an emergency or call home to let Mom know they’re on the way”, said Lance MacDonald, director for the region, in the announcement. “The canyon presented some unique engineering challenges, with steep and narrow terrain and lack of commercial electrical power. However, this is an important stretch of highway to connect, and Telus has the hard-earned expertise to see this through.”
