Three new cell towers added to “Highway of Tears” in an effort to further connect Indigenous communities
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PRINCE GEORGE— Roger’s Communications has turned on three new wireless towers along British Columbia’s Highway 16, providing 911 access for all travellers and 5G wireless coverage for customers. The new towers are part of an ongoing wireless service expansion project, in partnership with the Federal and provincial government, to improve safety and wireless communications gaps along the section of highway known as the Highway of Tears. This corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George has been a hotbed for countless tragedies as many Indigenous peoples have disappeared or have been found murdered along the route.
“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,” said Mary Teegee, a Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) activist. “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.”
Together with the 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 kilometers of new coverage between Seven Sisters Mountain and Pacific. Once all projects’s towers are completed, Roger 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 enviroment for travel and fulfill one of the recommendations in the 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium report to enhance safety for Indigenous people
“Providing cellular connectivity along the Highway of Tears is a critical step towards reconciliation for Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people,” said Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Our government is committed to expanding coverage along all B.C. highways no matter where they are. By working in collaboration with Indigenous communities, Rogers, and all levels of government, we can build a safer province for everyone.”
