Bell MTS announced it will build three cell towers along Highway 75 to ensure continuous wireless coverage between the border and Winnipeg.
The new cell towers will improve cell service along one of Manitoba’s most travelled routes.
The new towers will be constructed along three stretches along Highway 75; between Ste. Agathe and Morris, Morris and Highway 14, and between Highway 201 and Emerson.
Premier Brian Pallister was on hand for the announcement in what he called a cheerleading role, as this is purely a private sector deal.
Pallister said this will improve safety and create jobs.
Bell MTS says, assuming the recent merger of the two companies is given the green light by federal regulators, they expect the new towers to be in place in about a year.
Bell MTS says it’s too early to speculate if the merger and service upgrades will drive up rates, but Premier Brian Pallister says you get what you pay for.
"We've had cheaper limited service, now we get better service, I would be not surprised if the prices went up somewhat because we've been paying frankly some of the most cheapest prices in all of Canada.”
The premier indicated he'd like to see Ottawa, his government and the private sector partner on the funding needed to ensure cell service is expanded to more remote areas.
Bell MTS says this is the first of more announcements to come.
