General
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.
Why is the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program necessary?
Reliable cellular services are essential for all Nova Scotians, especially rural communities, to engage in the economy, generate jobs, and enhance public safety.
There are approximately 20,000+ unserved civic addresses and 1,010 kilometres of unserved primary roads.
Areas of the province lack adequate and consistent cellular coverage, posing a challenge to public safety and seamless communication.
The cellular gap study assessed coverage based on the service providers as follows:
- Depending on the cellular service provider, province-wide coverage ranges from 46-69%.
- Depending on the cellular service provider, the number of civic addresses served across the province ranges from 84-95%.
- Depending on the cellular service provider, 64-86% of primary roads have cellular service.
What is the role of Build Nova Scotia?
Build Nova Scotia fulfils various strategic infrastructure roles for the Government of Nova Scotia, focusing on six key areas:
- Connectivity Infrastructure
- Development and Planning
- Healthcare Infrastructure
- Land Remediation and Management
- Property and Marine, and Events
- Strategic Lands
Currently, Build Nova Scotia is working on two Connectivity Infrastructure projects:
- Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative (includes the Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program)
- Cellular for Nova Scotia Program
What is the role of Build Nova Scotia in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
The Government of Nova Scotia recognizes the importance of cellular coverage for all residents, especially in rural areas. Build Nova Scotia manages the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program for the Government of Nova Scotia. We have developed a strategy to achieve the following coverage targets for unserved and areas where Nova Scotians live, work, learn, and travel along primary roadways:
- 99% coverage for Basic Voice Call service
- 95% coverage for Standard-Definition service. Standard definition service provides quality audio or video transmission for emails, internet browsing, and social media.
- 85% coverage for High-Definition service. High-definition services provide high-quality audio or video transmission for emails, internet browsing, social media use, video conferencing, and movie streaming.
Build Nova Scotia does not directly oversee landline, internet, or cellular services; we collaborate with various federally regulated telecommunications partners, who are responsible for providing the infrastructure and services to consumers.
What is the role of Service Nova Scotia in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
Service Nova Scotia manages and maintains the trunked mobile radio 2 (TMR2) network throughout the province.
Service Nova Scotia is responsible for partnering with service providers to construct 27 new provincially owned cellular towers, which will later be connected to a telecommunications provider's network.
Service Nova Scotia will prioritize land already owned by the Government of Nova Scotia for new construction and consult with communities where new infrastructure locations are proposed.
What do "unserved" and "underserved" locations mean in Nova Scotia?
Unserved locations refer to areas where cellular service is not available.
Underserved locations refer to areas where cellular service is inadequate due to limited coverage, poor signal strength, or unreliable connectivity.
How were unserved locations in Nova Scotia identified?
In 2022, Build Nova Scotia conducted a comprehensive Cell Gap Study for the Government of Nova Scotia to assess cell service levels and identify critical gaps across the province. Using desktop analysis and drive testing, the study validated cellular connectivity strength and provided a clear understanding of the scope of the cellular gaps.
The findings reveal over 20,000 unserved civic addresses and 1,010 kilometres of unserved primary roads.
What is “upgrading” or “uplifting” existing infrastructure?
These terms are used interchangeably.
Upgrading or uplifting infrastructure involves adding telecommunications equipment to existing locations. For the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program, this means using provincially owned towers, evaluating their structural integrity, adding generator power if needed, and installing cellular equipment on the structures.
Investment
What is the total investment made by the Government of Nova Scotia in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
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.
What is the $3.3 million funding that was announced?
$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 in 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.
What is the current investment in each Cellular for Nova Scotia Program component?
Infrastructure upgrades
As of July 2024, the total investment for upgrading 27 telecommunications sites is $18.6 million.
New infrastructure construction
As of July 2024, the total investment for building 31 new telecommunications sites is $21.9 million. This includes $3.3 million announced in October 2023 for four trunked mobile radio 2 (TMR2) towers.
How will the remaining investment for the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program be used?
The remaining investment in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program will close the remaining cellular connectivity gaps across the province. As the Program progresses, more details will be shared.
Why is the Government of Nova Scotia providing financial support to telecommunications providers?
Building infrastructure to serve a large, sparsely populated region is challenging. By partnering with telecommunications service providers, we can enhance their business case for investing in expanded coverage and improved services.
This model has proven effective in the past. The Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative connected 99.9% of homes and businesses through traditional fibre-topic technology or the Satellite Internet Service Rebate Program. Over $383.1 million has been invested through the Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust, private sector contributions, funding from other sources, and the Government of Nova Scotia.
What is the extent of the Government of Nova Scotia's financial support for the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is entirely funded by the province and stands as Nova Scotia's most significant investment in cellular infrastructure.
The Government of Nova Scotia is subsidizing 80% of the costs for upgrading 27 locations with Rogers.
Additionally, the Government of Nova Scotia is fully financing the construction of another 27 telecommunication locations, which will be integrated into the network later.
Are there any federal funds allocated to support the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
No, there are no federal funds allocated to the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program.
Infrastructure
Why is the Government of Nova Scotia investing in telecommunication infrastructure?
The Government of Nova Scotia is investing in telecommunications infrastructure to accelerate construction and activation and improve safety.
What are the major milestones for upgrading a telecommunications site?
Work for each project site based on the following milestones:
Ready to Build
Criteria: Once a project is acquired, all the documents and tasks ensure the site is ready for construction/implementation.
Deliverables:
- Duty to Consult (DTC) Approval (if applicable)
- Site Acquisition
- Radio Frequency (RF)/ Designs
- Ready to Build
Construction Complete
Criteria: All construction activities have been completed.
Deliverables:
- Service Purchase Order (PO) received.
- Material received
- Construction started
- Construction complete
- Power connection
In-Service
Criteria: Equipment is built, configured, tested, and turn to In-Service, site acceptance.
Deliverables:
- Transmission ready
- Commissioning/Integration (C/I) complete
- E911/Call/Speed Tests
- In-service
- Field Operations (FOPS) Audit / Turnover Acceptance
What is the timeline for upgrading a telecommunications site?
Site upgrades typically take six to eight months. The duration can vary significantly based on the following factors:
- site conditions
- equipment availability
- workforce availability
- regulatory approvals
- integration complexity
What are the major milestones for building a telecommunications site?
Work for each project site based on the following milestones:
- Consultation with communities
- Locating property
- Purchase land or negotiate a lease
- Site investigation
- Municipal concurrence
- Notification that the site is ready for construction
- Ready to Build
- Construction Complete
- Site In-Service
What is the timeline for building new telecommunications infrastructure?
New infrastructure construction typically takes nine to 12 months. The duration can vary significantly based on the following factors:
- site conditions
- equipment availability
- workforce availability
- regulatory approvals
- integration complexity
Project Management
How will the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program move forward?
The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is a multiphase approach that includes Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from service providers to ensure fairness and transparency. This competitive procurement process encourages participation from both large and small organizations, fostering innovative approaches.
The initial stage focuses on adding cellular infrastructure and power supplies to existing sites. The RFP for Innovative Solutions for Cellular Coverage Improvement closed on November 30, 2023, and was awarded to Rogers on July 31, 2024.
Additionally, the Government of Nova Scotia will build 27 new telecommunication towers, five of which will improve the TMR2 network across the province. These towers will be connected to a service provider's network later.
Future stages will include RFPs to extend connectivity by adding new infrastructure and technologies to the province's unserved areas.
Why do some areas receive cellular coverage before others?
Geographic differences, population densities, infrastructure costs, and regulatory requirements complicate building and maintaining infrastructure, resulting in staggered implementation across regions.
When can I expect to receive improved connectivity?
Initial site upgrades are underway, with the first locations operational by the spring 2025. Most sites are anticipated to be connected to the network by the end of 2026.
For specific site information, please visit the zone map.
When will the TMR2 towers announced in October 2023 and July 2024 be completed?
The Government of Nova Scotia anticipates that the four TMR2 sites announced in October 2023 will be in service by summer 2025 and the sites announced in July 2024 will be in service by fall 2025.
How does Build Nova Scotia decide which areas of the province will receive improved cellular coverage first?
Build Nova Scotia does not set the priority for each upgrade; our telecommunications partners determine timelines.
Site upgrades and new construction vary significantly based on the following items:
- site conditions
- equipment availability
- workforce availability
- regulatory approvals
- integration complexity
What criteria were used to select the areas receiving improved cellular coverage in Nova Scotia?
In 2022, Build Nova Scotia conducted a comprehensive Cell Gap Study for the Government of Nova Scotia to assess cell service levels and identify critical gaps across the province. Using desktop analysis and drive testing, the study validated cellular connectivity strength and provided a clear understanding of the scope of the cellular gaps.
The findings reveal over 20,000 unserved civic addresses and 1,010 kilometres of unserved primary roads.
The first 27 site locations with existing usable infrastructure were chosen based on areas with the most unserved civic addresses and primary roads. An additional 27 sites have now been selected, and initial engineering studies show they can provide improved coverage for the largest remaining unserved areas.
Safety
What plans will enhance emergency communications services in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
The Government of Nova Scotia has invested $3.3 million to build four new trunked mobile radio 2 (TMR2) towers, expanding radio coverage for first responders in West Bay Road/Marble Mountain, Pleasant Bay in Inverness County, Framboise in Richmond County, and Greenfield in Queen’s County. Additionally, $18.6 million has been invested to construct 27 new towers, five of which will be added to the TMR2 network.
What is the Government of Nova Scotia doing to ensure telecommunication companies are held accountable for providing reliable cell coverage?
In November 2022, the Nova Scotia Legislature passed amendments to Bill 198 - Emergency "911" Act (amended) and Emergency Management Act (https://nslegislature.ca/).
These amendments to the Emergency Management Act and the Emergency 911 Act require local telecommunications companies to prepare for storms, take all possible precautions to maintain phone service during weather events or emergencies, and provide communication updates and transparency to customers.
On February 13, 2024, Build Nova Scotia presented to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Three regulatory changes were proposed by the Government of Nova Scotia:
- Recognition of internet and cellular service as essential services.
- Prioritization of 911 calls in the telecommunication network infrastructure.
- Implement comprehensive access to all cellular towers and locations for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and provincial services.
How will the tower infrastructure withstand extreme weather events?
The tower infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events. Each tower has an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to ensure continuous operation during power outages. The telecommunications partner maintains the generators supplying power to the cellular equipment.
How will the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program improve safety and cellular connectivity?
The initial phases of the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program will add 54 cellular towers across the province where people live, work, learn, and travel on primary roadways over the next two years.
These towers are expected to connect over 62% (12,000) of unserved civic addresses and 56% (562 kilometres) of unserved primary roadways.
How is health and safety protected?
All Canadian telecommunication service providers are required to construct their mobile networks according to established industry standards and Health Canada's safety guidelines. Health Canada assures that radio frequency exposure from cell towers is significantly below any level that poses a health risk.
Procurement
What is the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program Procurement Process?
Build Nova Scotia follows procurement rules under the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). These rules incorporate significant updates to align with the latest legal standards in procurement practices. For more information, please visit the Government of Nova Scotia Procurement Portal: https://procurement-portal.novascotia.ca/.
Why would a service provider submit a proposal to build new towers if the Government of Nova Scotia is already building them?
A service provider might submit a proposal to build new towers despite the Government of Nova Scotia's ongoing projects for several reasons:
- Network Expansion: The service provider may aim to expand their network beyond what the government currently funds or plans.
- Commercial Opportunity: Building additional towers could provide the service provider with strategic advantages in coverage, capacity, or service quality.
- Partnership Opportunities: They may seek to collaborate with the government on specific projects or initiatives to enhance infrastructure.
- Regulatory Requirements: Compliance or contractual obligations might drive the need for additional infrastructure development.
Accountability
How will the Government of Nova Scotia ensure that service providers for the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program successfully achieve coverage goals?
Under Service Delivery Agreements (SDA), service providers will submit quarterly performance reports for a 10-year period, 2024-2034, detailing the following:
- Cell Availability: Users' ability to connect to the network.
- Accessibility (Voice/Data): Users' ability to obtain a wireless connection.
- Retainability (Voice/Data): Users' ability to maintain a wireless connection during use.
- Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): The time it takes the service provider to resolve a network issue from the time the ticket is opened to the time it is closed.
- Average Download and Upload Throughput: The average speeds for downloading and uploading data.
Future Connectivity
How many civic addresses and kilometres of primary roadways are expected to be connected by the towers being upgraded by Rogers?
The towers to be upgraded by Rogers are predicted to connect up to 24% (4,800) of civic addresses and 20% (200 kilometres) of primary roadways.
Predictive coverage for cellular signals uses models and simulations to estimate signal reach and quality in an area, considering factors like terrain, buildings, vegetation, and weather to predict signal strength and obstacles. This helps plan and optimize cell tower placement to ensure reliable communication.
Several factors impact cellular connectivity, including proximity to cellular towers, building materials (e.g., thick walls, metal structures, energy-efficient windows), obstacles (e.g., trees, hills, buildings, bridges), network type (3G/4G/5G), and weather conditions.
How many civic addresses and kilometres of primary roadways are expected to be connected by the towers being constructed by the Government of Nova Scotia?
The provincially built towers are predicted to connect up to 38% (7,500) of unserved civic addresses and 36% (362 kilometres) of unserved primary roadways.
Predictive coverage for cellular signals uses models and simulations to estimate signal reach and quality in an area, considering factors like terrain, buildings, vegetation, and weather to predict signal strength and obstacles. This helps plan and optimize cell tower placement to ensure reliable communication.
Several factors impact cellular connectivity, including proximity to cellular towers, building materials (e.g., thick walls, metal structures, energy-efficient windows), obstacles (e.g., trees, hills, buildings, bridges), network type (3G/4G/5G), and weather conditions.
How many civic addresses and kilometres of primary roadways are expected to be connected in the initial phases of the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program?
Initially, the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is predicted to connect over 62% (12,000) of unserved civic addresses and 56% (562 kilometres) of unserved primary roadways.
Predictive coverage for cellular signals uses models and simulations to estimate signal reach and quality in an area, considering factors like terrain, buildings, vegetation, and weather to predict signal strength and obstacles. This helps plan and optimize cell tower placement to ensure reliable communication.
Several factors impact cellular connectivity, including proximity to cellular towers, building materials (e.g., thick walls, metal structures, energy-efficient windows), obstacles (e.g., trees, hills, buildings, bridges), network type (3G/4G/5G), and weather conditions.
What will happen with the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program after the initial upgrades and infrastructure construction?
The Cellular for Nova Scotia Program is an ongoing initiative. An additional Request for Proposal (RFP) will address the remaining cellular gaps in unserved areas across the province. This work will occur concurrently with the initial upgrades and infrastructure construction.
How will the improved coverage affect me if I am a customer with a different service provider?
When you travel outside your provider’s network, your phone connects to other available networks through roaming agreements, depending on your carrier. This allows you to stay connected, and users may experience fewer dropped calls and stronger signal strength while roaming.
Improved coverage also means better connectivity for emergency services. Telecommunications towers are crucial for 911 connectivity. With improved cellular capacity, emergency calls can be routed more efficiently, ensuring you can reach help when needed, even if you're outside your usual network area.
How does satellite technology complement cellular connectivity in remote or unserved areas?
Satellite cellular connections are in the early stages of public use. Service providers are using this technology to expand coverage, offering communication, basic data transfer, and essential services like 911 texting or phone, depending on the service provider and area.
While satellite technology has significant advantages, it is not a direct replacement for cellular towers. Satellites require more power and larger antennas, making them less practical for widespread use in urban or densely populated areas. Satellite connectivity also tends to be more expensive than land-based cellular services.
Satellite technology is a complement to cellular networks, providing connectivity across various regions. As these technologies evolve, more innovative integrations can be expected to benefit both rural and urban users.
Additional Resources/Points
How can I get more information?
For specific site information, please visit the zone map.
For general questions, please submit a question via the public feedback form here.