Rogers Communications announced on December 30, 2024 that it has activated five new cellular towers along British Columbia's Highway 16, providing 166 kilometres of 5G coverage and 911 access for travellers. This activation brings the project to near completion, with nine of 11 towers now operational, significantly reducing wireless gaps between Prince Rupert and Prince George, according to the Canadian telecommunications service provider.
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Fulfilling Safety Recommendations
Once the project is fully completed, Rogers will provide 252 kilometres of new cellular coverage along Highway 16, closing gaps to ensure continuous coverage along the entire 720-kilometre corridor. This initiative addresses a 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium recommendation to improve safety for Indigenous women and girls.
"With nine towers in-service, we are proud to provide 166 kilometres of 5G cellular coverage on Highway 16, closing most of the wireless gap between Prince Rupert and Prince George," said the Chief Technology Officer.
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Rural Connectivity Initiative
The Highway 16 project is part of a partnership with Indigenous communities, the Connecting British Columbia program, and the federal Universal Broadband Fund, aimed at expanding services to underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in British Columbia and across Canada.
Rogers said it has invested over CAD 40 billion in its networks over the last decade, including CAD 4 billion in capital investments in 2024. The company's 5G network reaches more than 2,500 communities.
