N.S. works to expand cell coverage, stop gaps in community where 2 kids disappeared – Halifax [Video]

The province is working to expand cell coverage for Nova Scotians living in communities without access, and it also wants to prevent dropped calls and signal gaps along the province’s major highways.

During a standing committee on community services meeting Tuesday, discussions were held around how to connect more than 20,000 properties to the cellular grid along with 1,000 km of roads.

The province’s cell expansion program launched in October 2023 and is rolling out in phases. Twenty-seven communication towers are being upgraded under the first phase.

“Very soon the first upgraded towers will be connected and become operational. This represents a substantial accomplishment just 18 months after the program launched,” said Paul LaFleche, Department of Public Works Executive Deputy Minister.

The government has faced pressure in recent years around the lack of cell coverage in rural communities during emergencies.

It was an issue during the flash flooding that hit …