NOVA SCOTIA: In a landmark move to enhance connectivity and safety, the Province of Nova Scotia has announced its largest-ever investment in cellular infrastructure.
This ambitious project aims to upgrade existing infrastructure and add new cellular towers over the next two years, significantly improving service in areas currently lacking reliable cell coverage.
“Nova Scotians need reliable cell service. It’s no longer a luxury; it’s a matter of safety, and everyone deserves access,” Minister of Public Works and Minister responsible for Build Nova Scotia Kim Masland said. “This important investment will enhance coverage in rural and remote communities across our province.”
Following a rigorous request for proposals, Rogers has been selected to upgrade infrastructure at 27 existing sites and connect them to the state-of-the-art Rogers 5G network.
Complementing this, the province will invest an additional $18.6 million in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program, which includes the construction of 27 new provincially owned telecommunication towers in unserved areas. These new towers are in addition to the four announced in October 2023.
“Our government’s investment to build new towers across the province shows our commitment to improving cellular connectivity and communication for Nova Scotians, particularly in unserved rural areas,” Minister of Service Nova Scotia Colton LeBlanc said. “We are committed to improving our province’s trunk mobile radio network to help ensure our first responders and other users can communicate when they need it.”
This strategic enhancement of cellular infrastructure is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements and population growth. It is also a critical step toward improving public safety and the quality of life for residents in rural communities.
“I have been working on this for over 10 years,” Inverness MLA and Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster said. “Poor cell service is one of the top concerns when I speak to residents and business owners in Inverness County. Today, finally, we are taking meaningful strides to give people better cell phone service.”
The Nova Scotia government will use existing tower infrastructure and partner with Rogers at three locations in Inverness County.
A tower in Marble Mountain will improve coverage along the Bras d’Or Lakes from Nyanza to Whycocomagh to West Bay to Irish Cove to Castle Bay and to Christmas Island. The benefit of this tower is also expected to reach into areas along the Atlantic Coast of Richmond County. Roadways and 575 civic addresses are projected to receive coverage.
The Margarees will see improvement from Margaree Forks to just past the county line after Lake O’Law. Coverage will also improve into Margaree Centre and Margaree Valley. Roadways will see improvement and 618 civic addresses are projected to receive coverage.
The area around Lake Ainslie, to Southwest Margaree and to Margaree Forks will see improvement along roadways and 136 civic addresses are projected to receive coverage and will also extend to fishers and boaters in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from south of Inverness to Belle Cote.
“While this work will have real benefits for many people in our region, there are still too many areas where cell service is poor or non-existent,” MacMaster said. “These gaps must be closed, particularly along primary roadways, and we must continue to work to find solutions for that.”
President and CEO of Build Nova Scotia David Benoit underscored the significance of the investment.
“Build Nova Scotia is pleased to deliver on this critical program for Nova Scotians. The investment in upgrading existing and building new cellular infrastructure shows the Government of Nova Scotia is taking action to keep pace with technology and population growth,” Benoit said. “Together, we are enhancing public safety and quality of life, boosting the digital economy, and providing improved cellular services for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Phil Hartling, president of wireless at Rogers, echoed this sentiment.
“As Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network provider, Rogers is always looking to expand to connect more Canadians when and where they want. We are proud to partner with the Government of Nova Scotia and Build Nova Scotia on the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program to close gaps in wireless coverage and improve public safety across the province for residents, visitors, and businesses.”
CEO of the Western Regional Enterprise Network Angélique LeBlanc highlighted the broader economic impact of the initiative.
“The improvements announced today are not only about better communication for safety and security but also about investing in an essential tool for economic stability and growth,” she said. “By ensuring robust and reliable connectivity, we are empowering local businesses, attracting new investments, and creating job opportunities. This upgrade will foster economic development and support the prosperity of rural communities across Nova Scotia.”
There are about 20,000 unserved civic addresses and 1,010 kilometres of unserved primary roads in Nova Scotia.
The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is expected to connect more than 62 per cent, or 12,000 of unserved civic addresses and 56 per cent, or 562 kilometres of unserved primary roadways.
According to the province, the first four towers will be in place next spring, with the remaining new and upgraded sites completed between next summer and the spring of 2027.
This historic investment marks a significant step forward in ensuring that all Nova Scotians have access to reliable cell service, underscoring the province’s commitment to safety, connectivity, and economic growth.