Nova Scotia Needs Better Cellular Coverage.
Cellular service has gone from a nice amenity to a must have. Increasingly, in order to stay in touch with friends, family, or do business, having a reliable cell connection is critical. More importantly, in times of emergency, notifications and alerts are being sent directly to cell phones as a way for advanced warning, but we need that cellular connection in order to stay in touch.
While internet connectivity has improved over the past 5-years with Federal and Provincial Funding - and in some cases Municipal funding, cellular reception has not kept pace, and there are still communities across Nova Scotia that have little to no connection whatsoever, meaning phone calls are dropped or won’t dial in the first place, text messages won’t send, and accessing the internet or digital platforms is impossible.
My work over the past year has focused on engaging telecommunication companies and highlighting areas of service gaps that exist. This has resulted in small changes and tweaks to tower equipment, or having companies reach out to customers directly - but frankly, we need more. My goal is to help play a constructive role in advocating for additional cell tower infrastructure to private companies, but also the Nova Scotia Government, and the CRTC.
That’s where YOU come in… help me by signing this petition so that we can advocate to and inform the Telecom companies, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the CRTC about the gaps in service that exist.
-Kody Blois
MP, Kings-Hants
What's happening provincially and federally:
On July 31, 2024, the Government of Nova Scotia announced an $18.6M fund called the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program, a partnership with Rogers and Build Nova Scotia to install 27 new cellular towers across Nova Scotia. As noted by Provincial Minister Kim Masland:
“Nova Scotians need reliable cell service. It’s no longer a luxury; it’s a matter of safety and everyone deserves access… This important investment will enhance coverage in rural and remote communities across our province.”
This is a good investment and I applaud the province for taking the steps to improve connectivity across the province. However, I want to ensure that projects help support gap areas across rural Nova Scotia that are still negatively impacted. Therefore, I am asking for your help in Sending the Signal about the importance of outstanding projects in our communities.
The Canadian Regulatory Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) has a $675 million fund over 5 years that was started in 2023, where levies are collected from telecom companies and then deployed to improve broadband and mobile service in underserved areas across the country. The third call for applications was closed in 2023, and projects continued to be awarded.
As one example, Build Nova Scotia currently has no projects slated for Kings County. While I am pleased to see projects under the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program that will service some areas, I believe it is imperative that tower infrastructure be built from one end of the province to the other. Whether in Avonport, Centreville, Canning, Halls Harbour or Wreck Cove, there are plenty of other communities with demonstrable need for improved cell service. Sign the petition so we can help identify how and where new infrastructure can support communities in need.
How will the petition be used?
Signing the petition means you're adding your name to the growing list of Nova Scotians who are advocating for improved cell service in our region. The information will help inform my advocacy to the Telecom Companies, the Province of Nova on which communities are most underserved.
Sign the petition and lets send the signal that Nova Scotians need, and deserve, better cellular coverage.