Rogers has announced it will be expanding its wireless network along Highway 4 in an effort to bring more connectivity between Tofino and Port Alberni.
The telecommunications giant says that it will be adding six new towers, which will enable approximately 85 km of new coverage along the key Vancouver Island corridor.
The project, which is fully funded by Rogers, will also be upgrading two existing towers along the route as part of the network expansion.
“We are proud to continue to invest and build in B.C., constructing highway connectivity projects and building critically needed networks to bridge the digital divide,” said Jorge Fernandes, Chief Technology Officer at Rogers Communications. “Highway 4 is a vital route, and this project will provide 85 kms of new service and resolve spotty coverage, improving safety and reliable connectivity as soon as possible for all who depend on it for commercial transportation, tourism and travelling to and from their homes.”
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Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, notes that the highway can be a cause for concern for locals or travellers and that improving safety along the corridor between Tofino and Port Alberni is important.
“Our government is hard at work making safety improvements to the highway and increasing cellular coverage along the same stretch, meaning people will be even safer. I want to thank Rogers for doing this work and improving service for everyone on our coast,” Osborne said.
Rogers is partnered with the B.C. Government through the Connecting British Columbia program, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust, and has been working with all levels of government to make network and innovation investments throughout the province, including a recent cellular expansion along Highway 14 on Vancouver Island as well.
As part of the Highway 14 project, Rogers says that seven new towers were built between Sooke and Port Renfrew in 2021 to help increase connectivity along that corridor.
Graham Cox
