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Commitment to Connectivity

The Government of Nova Scotia's Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is the largest investment in cellular infrastructure in the province’s history. It aims to improve public safety by expanding cellular coverage for over 20,000 unserved civic addresses and 1,010 kilometres of primary roads.

Commitment to Safety

Investing in telecommunications is crucial for essential services, especially in rural areas. Infrastructure failures can severely impact these communities during emergencies. The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program aims to improve connectivity for healthcare, education, social services, emergency communication, remote work, and mental health support, ensuring the province keeps pace with growth and technology.

Commitment to Nova Scotia

Improved cellular infrastructure bridges distances, promotes inclusion, and provides essential resources. Enhancing connectivity addresses current needs and prepares Nova Scotia for technological advancements and economic and population growth.

Cellular for Nova Scotia Program Service Level Objectives

  % coverage

for basic voice call service where Nova Scotians live, work, learn, and travel on primary roads. Basic voice call service provides clear audio calls.

  % coverage

for standard-definition service where Nova Scotians live, work, learn, and travel on primary roads. Standard definition service provides quality audio or video transmission for emails, internet browsing, and social media.

  % coverage

for high-definition service where Nova Scotians live, work, learn, and travel on primary roads. High-definition services provide high-quality audio or video transmission for emails, internet browsing, social media use, video conferencing, and movie streaming.

Where We Are

The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program’s second Request for Proposals (RFP), Innovative Solutions for Cellular Coverage Improvement - Phase 2, was issued on September 5, 2024. This RFP closed on December 5, 2024, and proposal evaluations are underway.

On July 31, 2024, Rogers was awarded Innovative Solutions for Cellular Coverage Improvement - Phase I to upgrade infrastructure at 27 existing sites and connect them to the Rogers 5G network. Through an additional investment of $18.6 million, the Province plans to add 27 new provincially owned telecommunication towers, which will be connected to a network provider later.

Enhanced cellular infrastructure will also help Nova Scotia keep pace with technology and population growth while improving safety in rural communities.

Phase 1 Progress

Towers Operational

Civic addresses covered

Kilometres of primary roadways covered

Build Nova Scotia understands that the Phase 1 announcement does not address all unserved areas of Nova Scotia. The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is designed as a multi-year, multi-phase Program to provide cellular network access to unserved areas of Nova Scotia.

Project Zones

For more information on projects in your community, select your region below. Click here for a full version of our zoning map for this project. Or enter your community name in the search bar.

See the full list of communities

Select a project zone from the map for more information.

List of zones

Northern | Central | Eastern | Western

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?

The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is the Province’s largest ever investment in cellular infrastructure. This investment will improve cellular connectivity by enhancing existing infrastructure and adding additional towers over the next two years.

As of July 2024, the total investment for the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is $69.2 million, with the following breakdown.

  • $47.3 million announced in October 2023.
  • $3.3 million to build four trunked mobile radio 2 towers was also announced in 2023.
  • $18.6 million to construct 27 Government of Nova Scotia-owned telecommunications towers, announced in July 2024.

Of the $47.3 million announced in October 2023, $18.6 million has been allocated as of July 2024 for upgrading 27 telecommunications sites.

Of the remaining two investments as of July 2024, the total investment for building 31 new telecommunications sites is $21.9 million.

How does cellular roaming work?

When you travel outside your provider’s network, your phone connects to other available networks through roaming agreements, depending on your service provider. We recommend users contact their service provider directly to understand their roaming agreements.

What is the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program Network Map?

The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program Network Map provides an overview of existing coverage and infrastructure, and locations set to receive improved cellular network access through 27 upgraded telecommunications sites that will be connected to the Rogers 5G network.

Rogers was selected after a competitive Request for Proposals Process. This RFP closed on November 30, 2023, and was awarded on July 31, 2024.

Have questions?
Need more information?

Please use the link below to contact our team about the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program. If you are reaching out about a project or potential project in your area, please include your full address, community and postal code.

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