Telus continues to extend wireless service to the Eagle Valley.
The telecommunications company announced last week that it has invested $600,000 to build a new wireless service site. This will service approximately 10 kilometres along the Trans-Canada Highway between Sicamous and Malakwa.
“This stretch of Highway 1 is very well-travelled during the summer months, and we are happy to bring more coverage to the area during this busy travel season,” said Bert Baybrook, Telus general manager for the Kamloops/Cariboo, adding residents and travellers will now have improved wireless reception along the route, “whether they’re simply staying in touch while on the road or dialing 911 in the case of an emergency.”
The project is part of the 10-year Connecting British Columbia Agreement Telus signed with the B.C. government in 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, TELUS will invest to connect more than 1,700 kilometres of unconnected highways with wireless service.
This investment includes the construction of two cellular towers, one in Malakwa and one in Three Valley Gap. Telus spokesperson Shawn Hall told the News these two projects alone represent about a $1 million investment.
“These days people want to be able to stay connected when they’re travelling,” commented Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo in a news release. “Bringing this service to this part of Highway 1 allows people to do that, and it also improves safety by making it possible for people to call emergency services in case of an accident.”