The provincial government said Wednesday it intends to award a 10-year, $1-billion contract to TELUS to extend high-speed Internet to remote communities and increase cell coverage along B.C.'s highways.
The extended coverage included communities, schools and highways in Northern B.C.
"It definitely includes the North, that's the idea," said Labour and Citizens' Service spokesman David Greer.
Some of the communities in Northern B.C. where Internet services will be improved, include Bear Lake, Francois Lake, Grassy Plains, Dunster, Granisle, Hixon, Wells, Willow River, Fort Fraser and Topley.
In total, nearly 60 communities will see Internet services improved in North and Central B.C.
More than 40 schools in the North are also targeted for improved Internet service.
Improved cell service coverage is promised for highways 97 and 16.
No timeline has been set for the improved services to particular communities and areas.
The province said it decided to award the entire contract to TELUS after the company was the successful bidder on nine individual bundles of services. The province said that, instead of awarding bundles separately, a stronger partnership with TELUS would realize a greater overall benefit.
About 93 per cent British Columbians have access to broadband Internet.
The $1-billion in spending will increase that to 97 per cent, said the province.
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