About the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program
The Province is taking action to make sure all Nova Scotians have
access to cellular service, no matter where they live or travel.
On
October 26, 2023, the Province announced it is investing $47.3 million
to start the new Cellular for Nova Scotia Program to expand
telecommunications infrastructure and communications networks throughout
the province.
Build Nova Scotia has been charged by the Province to plan, design,
and manage the implementation of expanded cellular coverage throughout
the province.
An initial cell gap study, and additional analysis, provides an understanding of the scope of the problem.
The goal of this project is to develop, as quickly, efficiently, and effectively as possible, a plan that covers as much of the province as soon as practicable. The project will involve a two-phased approach:
- The first phase included a Request for Proposals (RFP), which is now closed, and submissions are under review. As part of this request, service providers were asked to consider submitting proposals that used any existing infrastructure that would help close gaps and improve service in underserved areas. The focus of this round is two-fold: more immediate innovative solutions and speed of delivery.
- The second phase will include an additional RFP to seek solutions to address remaining gap areas, including creating infrastructure.
This will also ensure that the solutions identified are sustainable
and are being coordinated with federal and provincial initiatives
planned or underway, while ensuring maximum coverage as early as
possible. Build Nova Scotia will look to maximize investments from and leverage
key partnerships with the Federal Government, municipalities, and the
private sector.
Overall, the goal is to reach the following coverage targets throughout the populated areas of the province:
- 99% coverage for Basic Voice Call service
- 95% coverage for Standard-Definition service (eg. emails, web browsing and social media)
- 85% coverage for High-Definition service (eg. video conferencing, movie streaming, and other data intensive applications)
The initial focus will be major transportation corridors and areas with civic addresses.
A separate $3.3 million is being invested to build four new trunked mobile
radio 2 (TMR2) towers to expand radio coverage for first responders in
West Bay Road/Marble Mountain, Pleasant Bay in Inverness County,
Framboise, Richmond County, and Greenfield in Queen’s County.
These areas were identified as strategic locations that would play a
role in the expansion of rural coverage for the TMR2 Public Safety Radio
network. This could also help improve cell coverage access if
telecommunications providers attach their equipment to those towers to
extend coverage.
In 2022, Build Nova Scotia commissioned a cell
gap study on behalf of the Province to study cell service levels and
identify critical gaps throughout the province. This study and
additional analysis has provided a clearer understanding of a common
challenge experienced across the country and helped define the scope of
the problem. Findings of the study confirm the civic addresses and
stretches of roadways that do not have adequate and consistent cell
coverage. This will continue to be refined with ongoing discussions and
RFP responses.
Through the program, a comprehensive strategy to increase cell
coverage will involve working with telecommunications companies and
government partners.
For the full news release, visit News & Resources.
For additional program information, visit the FAQs section. We will continue to provide updates and additional information as the program progresses.