Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI) pledged to spend $452 million over the next two years expanding and boosting its wireless networks in B.C., including remote corners of the province that currently have connectivity problems.
The company plans to have the network expansion done by the end of 2016. The work will take place in Northeastern B.C., the Interior the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Premier Christy Clark was on hand at a press conference to welcome the investment.
“Many of you, when you go to Fort Nelson, your phone doesn’t work,” Clark said. “Well, by 2016 it will.”
Rogers said the network improvements were needed because more and more people require more bandwidth, thanks to the explosion of smartphones and tablets. But there is also a public safety factor, as 70% of 911 calls today are made from mobile phones.
The latest investment builds on the $1.5 billion Rogers has already made in B.C.
Rogers vice-chairman Phil Lind praised the Clark government for its fiscal prudence and general stewardship of the economy.
“Here the economy is strong, and the province is growing,” he said. “And with this growth comes increased demand for wireless services. And that’s why we’re making a significant investment in our wireless network in the province.”
In May, Telus announced it would invest $2.8 billion in new infrastructure and facilities throughout the province through to 2016.
