New Rogers Cel towers to improve public safety and wireless coverage on Highway 16 corridor

New tower construction between Seven Sisters and Prince Rupert
has delivered on improved cell service across the Highway 16 corridor

Rogers Communications has outlined some of the ongoing work that they have taken on to improve cellular coverage along the Highway 16 corridor a key element for public safety along the lengthy and isolated at times tour from Prince Rupert to Prince George. 

In an announcement from Friday Rogers highlighted the conclusion of work on three new wireless towers to expand service to many Indigenous communities along the corridor that is also known as the Highway of Tears.

“We are proud to provide 50 kilometres of 5G cellular connectivity on sections of Highway 16, as part of our continues work to bring seamless wireless service between Prince Rupert and Prince George. Working with Indigenous communities and government partners, Rogers is honoured to be part of this generational project to increase safety on the Highway of Tears for travellers and residents, and honour survivors, victims and their families.” -- Ron McKenzie, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Rogers.

From the recent work, together with a previously completed tower in Seaton, the new tower at Seeley Lake Park is providing 13 kilometres of new wireless coverage and two new towers are providing 37 kilometres of new coverage between Seven Sisters Mountain and Pacific. 

Once all the project’s towers are 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 will establish a safer environment for travel, and fulfill one of the recommendations in the 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium report to enhance safety for Indigenous women and girls.  

The latest benchmark in the Rogers expansion plan was well received by Mary Teegee, a Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Activist who noted how improved cellular coverage was important for all Indigenous communities.

“These new cellular towers are lifelines to all of us who travel along Highway 16 regularly, and we are hopeful they will help prevent future tragedies. It has been deeply rewarding watching this project unfold, and we look forward to celebrating its completion and benefiting from the social and economic advantages it provides.”

You can review more on Friday's announcement and the impact that the improved service will bring from the Rogers announcement feature here.

More notes on communication across the Northwest can be reviewed from our archive page.