WHEREAS much of todays traveling public is dependent on the technology of cell phone service to not only stay in touch with family members but for added safety features for emergency reasons; AND WHEREAS many areas within cell phone coverage in rural BC are not identified: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that proper signage and safe pull-outs be installed in areas throughout BC where coverage is available, identifying these areas as having cell phone connectivity.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure While cellular coverage is expected and exists in populated areas and along much of the highway network, there are remote rural areas where travelers may not know if cellular coverage is available. Cellular phone coverage in rural areas provides an important service to communities and to travelers. This is highlighted by the governments Connecting British Columbia agreement in which Telus has committed to providing wireless coverage to more than 1,700 km of primary and secondary highways. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry has advised the cell providers that existing highway pullouts and rest areas are priority locations for expanded cell coverage. Rest areas are in place in many areas around the Province and not only provide a safe area to pull off the highway, but also provide services for motorists, such as restrooms and area information. Given the continued expansion of cell coverage across the Province, it would not be economical to construct new highway pull outs in the fringe coverage areas, which would quickly become redundant. The Ministry will, however, give consideration to placing signs in advance of existing rest areas and pullouts in a remote rural area that have cell coverage to inform travelers that coverage is available.