A significant amount of new and improved connectivity and digital infrastructure has been added to rural British Columbia communities and highways in 2014.

In 2014, Telus has improved a total of 32.2 kilometres of connectivity in the Boundary-Similkameen region.

“While it is imperative that drivers refrain from using cell phones when driving, however, these connectivity improvements will ensure that drivers will have access to wireless coverage in case of an emergency or car distress,” said Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “These investments are certainly welcome news for residents throughout the region.”

Approximately 10.1 kilometres of connectivity improvements were performed between Keremeos to Kaleden on Highway 3A. Additionally, 12.5 kilometres of improved connectivity between Hedley and Keremeos on Highway 3 was announced in May.

Over nine kilometres of connectivity improvements were made on highway 3 between Princeton and Hedley and went on-line on June 27, 2014.

It is the provincial government’s goal to see every British Columbian with access to high-speed Internet by 2021, and Telus management promised it would work with other levels of government and the private sector to make this happen.

Expanded service means safer travel for drivers, faster reporting of road accidents and better response times by emergency workers.

The government of B.C. continues to partner with the federal government to support the Pathways to Technology project managed by the All Nations Trust Company to connect First Nations communities to the Internet.

This year the B.C. government launched the $2 million B.C. Broadband Satellite Initiative in partnership with Xplornet Communications Inc.

As of the end of December 2014, more than 1,000 satellite subscribers around the province now have service in areas where traditional broadband service is not possible.

Over the next three years, the program will continue to provide assistance with a portion of the installation cost of a satellite Internet connection for customers with no other options for broadband.

At this year’s UBCM, Premier Christy Clark renewed government’s commitment to expand high-speed Internet service to rural communities. B.C. is committed to achieving the goal of 100% Internet connectivity to keep it as one of the most connected jurisdictions in the world.

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