Recommendations and Next Steps for Improved Cellular Connectivity

On May 9, 2024, the Broadband Internet and Mobility Committee (BIMC) contracted Planetworks to develop a Regional Connectivity Strategy Report to review the needs of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) for improved connectivity.

This report was finished and presented to the BIMC on October 23, 2024, and presented to the Regional Board on November 7, 2024 for consideration and recommendations on next steps.

The following is a list of recommendations from the Regional Connectivity Strategy Report:

Stay Informed

• Keep up with CRTC and ISED consultations, especially those impacting cellular site deployment on highways, and be prepared to provide input.

Monitor Developments 

• Follow advancements in cell connectivity to low Earth orbit satellites and keep track of Rogers' plans for better service from Pine Pass to Chetwynd on Highway 97, updating on progress.

Advocacy

• Collaborate with provincial and federal departments (especially CRTC and ISED) to create funding incentives for highway service expansion, including capital and operational subsidies for mobility providers.
• Work with federal departments to establish roaming policies for northern mobility providers.
• Engage with service providers to explore optimal methods for community coverage, such as microcells and towers.
• Conduct regional drive tests as new infrastructure is developed and utilize the collected data for analysis.
  • NOTE that this recommendation was defeated by the Broadband Internet Committee

Investment

• Consider investing in infrastructure, like extending power lines and developing road access, to lower operational costs for new cell sites.
• Although building shared-use towers is an option, leveraging existing subsidies to cover tower costs may be more effective than focusing on power and road extension.