British Columbia's digital infrastructure continued to expand in 2013, including new cellular coverage along highways and upgraded fibre optic connections to schools.

Over 730 kilometres of new cellular coverage along B.C.'s remote highways have been completed to date. This expanded service means safer travel for drivers, faster reporting of road accidents and better response times by emergency workers. Expanding connectivity along B.C. highways is one way government can further enhance the safety for all travellers - residents, businesses and tourists.

Under the Connecting British Columbia Agreement signed in 2011, an additional 986 kilometres is scheduled to be installed by 2017. Through this agreement, the ongoing work between government and Telus continues to be the driving force in improving overall connectivity in B.C., including highway cellular expansion.

Connectivity improvements under the CBCA include:

• Over 730 kilometres of new cellular coverage along primary and secondary highways, including segments along highways 1, 3, 3A, 6, 5, 5A, 6, 16, 37, 97 and the Coquihalla Highway.
• As of December 2013, 208 of 437 public schools have been upgraded from legacy copper to faster fibre optic internet connections.
• Maintaining 119 Internet points of presence within communities around B.C. to ensure local Internet service providers can provide service to their communities at an affordable price.

In addition, in spring 2013 Xplornet Communications was selected through a procurement process to help deliver the British Columbia Broadband Satellite Initiative. Xplornet is a leader in providing rural broadband Internet service through satellite technology. Over the next four years, government will invest up to $2 million to help bring affordable satellite-based, high-speed Internet to citizens in remote or geographically challenging locations.

Government continues to partner with the federal government and the All Nations Trust Company to support the Pathways to Technology project connecting First Nations communities to the Internet. In 2013, seven communities had connections installed.

A total of 177 out of 203 communities now have Internet access. The program continues to work on bringing access to the remaining 26 communities.

Quotes:

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services -

"Our work to expand connectivity in B.C. has wide-reaching benefits for everyone in our province. From expanded highway cellular coverage making our highways safer, to improved Internet capacity helping open the door to new economic opportunities, as well as improving citizens' access to online services and resources - investing in our digital infrastructure ensures all British Columbians can take advantage of 21st-century opportunities."

Gordon Kirk, director dispatch centre operations, British Columbia Ambulance Service -

"Improved network capacity and coverage helps paramedics get deployed faster while improving our ability to communicate in the field. Continuing expansion of cellular coverage along B.C.'s remote highways also is enabling more individuals to call 911 for help and receive life-saving instructions over the phone in an emergency situation. New highway coverage is making traveling B.C. highways safer."

Melanie Perrin, fire services co-ordinator, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George -

"The new cellular coverage along highways enhances public safety along these long-stretching corridors. Thanks to better communications, our road rescue and fire service agencies can receive more detailed information on incident locations and incident variables ensuring the right resources are deployed in a timely manner."

Jennifer Connor, Telus director, planning and engineering -

"At Telus, we recognize the importance of having reliable wireless services throughout our province, enhancing the safety of travel and providing all of our customers access to the latest technology that will keep them connected to friends, family and business."

"We're particularly proud of our work with the provincial government, connecting 240 kilometres of highway to crucial wireless services in 2013. Our work will continue in the coming years, connecting even more highways and enhancing the safety of travel in British Columbia."

Learn More:

For an updated factsheet on connectivity in B.C. go to: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/technology-innovation-citizens-services/factsheets/factsheet-network-bc.html

Map of new highway cellular coverage (all of British Columbia): http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/11650343363/

To learn more about Network BC visit: www.network.gov.bc.ca

Media Contact:

Jason Macnaughton
Communications Director
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
250 387-3134