
As part of a strategic partnership with the Province, TELUS has invested $1 million to build a new wireless site along Highway 1, bringing wireless service to approximately 16 kilometers of Highway 1 between Spences Bridge and Spatsum, and 10 kilometres of Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Dot. The site is now live, and also provides coverage to the community of Spences Bridge and the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band.
“This investment brings wireless service to Spences Bridge and the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band for the first time, which means residents in the area can now connect with family and friends when they’re at home or on the go with their mobile devices, ” said Bert Braybrook, TELUS General Manager for Kamloops/Kootenays. “Bringing wireless services to this stretch of highway also enhances the safety of travel for residents and visitors by providing access to 911 in the event of an emergency, while also bringing much-anticipated new coverage to nearby communities.”
The project is part of the 10-year Connecting British Columbia Agreement TELUS signed with the Province of B.C. in 2011. Under the terms of the agreement TELUS will invest to connect more than 1,700 kilometres of unconnected highways with wireless service.
“Today, people want to be able to stay connected while on the road. Expanded wireless service helps meet that desire for people travelling in the area and residents alike,” said Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola. “TELUS’ new coverage will also improve public safety for anyone who needs to contact emergency services along these stretches of highway.”
Last month, TELUS announced a commitment to invest $4.5 billion in British Columbia through 2019 to extend fibre optic infrastructure directly to thousands of homes and businesses in rural and urban communities, further strengthen wireless service, and support key services including healthcare and education with new technologies. By the end of 2019 TELUS will have invested more than $51 billion in British Columbia since 2000.