Five new cellular towers expand coverage on B.C.s Highway of Tears [Video]

Telecom giant Rogers Communications says it has activated five new cellular towers along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears, marking the “substantial completion” of efforts to improve access to 911 services on the route.

Rogers says in a statement that the new cellular towers along Highway 16 in northern B.C. will cover 166 kilometres where wireless service gaps previously existed.

The company says that when the final two out of 11 towers are erected, the new wireless coverage will “ensure continuous coverage” on the entire 720-kilometre stretch of highway from Prince George to Prince Rupert.

The company says the towers will provide 911 access for all travellers and 5G wireless coverage to its customers.

Rogers chief technology officer Mark Kennedy says in the statement that the nine active towers have closed “most of the wireless gap between Prince Rupert and Prince George” and will benefit both travellers and residents in the region, including those …