Hwy. 4 betweel Port Alberni and Tofino will see improvements to its cell phone coverage following work by Rogers in the coming months. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Improved cell phone connectivity coming to Hwy. 4

Jan 26, 2022 | 4:49 PM

NANAIMO — Travellers looking to explore central and western Vancouver Island will soon be able to do so with more peace of mind.

Rogers has confirmed it will fund the expansion of cell phone coverage in the region, constructing six new towers and upgrading two more between Port Alberni and Tofino.

Intermittent coverage was a hallmark of the route, popular year round as tourists and residents alike move between Port Alberni and Tofino/Ucluelet.

“Highway 4 is a vital route, and this project will provide 85 kms of new service and resolve spotty coverage, improving safety and reliable connectivity as soon as possible,” Jorge Fernandes, Rogers’ chief technology officer, said in a statement.

No date was given for work to begin or for the new service to be fully implemented.

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The upgrades will affect other carriers aside from Rogers.

The provincial government is contributing money towards the project through the Connecting British Columbia program.

Similar upgrades were completed under the program banner on highways 14,95, 97 and 16 in recent years.

“For people travelling between Tofino and Port Alberni, whether they’re locals, people visiting family, or those here to enjoy the beauty of the West Coast, Highway 4 can be cause for concern,” Josie Osborne, Mid Island Pacfic Rim MLA, added.

“Our government is hard at work making safety improvements to the highway and increasing cellular coverage along the same stretch, meaning people will be even safer.”

Rogers’ current coverage map of central Vancouver Island. Other major providers, Bell and Telus, have similar deadspots. (Compare Cellular)

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