A recent analysis has identified areas with poor cellphone coverage in Prince Edward Island and outlined the necessary steps to address the issue. During a recent session at the P.E.I. Legislature, Robert Henderson, the Liberal MLA for O’Leary-Inverness, highlighted the challenges faced by himself and his constituents due to inadequate cell service. He emphasized the frustration caused by dead spots and dropped calls, particularly in his riding, where some locations lack even basic connectivity for emergency calls.
The report, conducted by consulting firm FarrPoint on behalf of the province’s Innovation Department, revealed that approximately 7,000 Island homes lack indoor cell reception from any provider. Additionally, around 2,200 homes, predominantly in western P.E.I., do not receive outdoor cell coverage. The study also identified over 2,200 km of Island roads, including more than 50 km of major roads, without any cellular service.
To address these gaps, the report proposed the installation of 23 new cell towers, each estimated to cost up to $1 million. The recommended locations for these towers were prioritized based on the number of households and road sections they would cover, with Miminegash, West Cape, and St. Georges identified as top choices.
Regarding the deployment of these towers, Economic Development, Innovation, and Trade Minister Darlene Compton mentioned exploring options such as standalone towers or installation on public buildings. Henderson raised concerns about the limited budget allocation for tower construction and urged the government to clarify the specific locations for the three planned towers.
Compton emphasized the importance of collaboration with telecom companies to improve cell service and mentioned ongoing discussions with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC). She also stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to enhance coverage across the Island.
Looking ahead, Henderson emphasized the significance of strategic planning to expand cell coverage effectively. While recognizing the challenges posed by current technology limitations, he urged the government to align its actions with the recommendations outlined in the consultant’s report. The report indicated advancements in cellular technology that could potentially offer direct satellite connectivity to phones, but widespread implementation is not expected until 2027 or later.