The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced the Provincial Government’s latest project to expand wireless coverage in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through a cost-shared agreement with the Town of Bauline and Bell Canada, the Provincial Government is contributing $116,555 to provide cellular service to the community, which currently does not have access to cellular coverage. This non-repayable contribution represents 25 per cent of total funding for the project, which is estimated to cost over $466,000. Bell will contribute approximately $280,000, with the town supporting the remaining portion.
This funding enables the deployment of Bell’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) broadband wireless technology in the community, and aligns with the Town of Bauline’s tourism and development strategies to increase visitation and enhance visitor experiences.
Announced as part of Budget 2018 and through the Regional Development Fund, the Provincial Government issued a call for proposals for a cost-shared cellular service pilot program, contributing up to a maximum of 25 per cent of project costs towards cellular coverage infrastructure upgrades. The remaining 75 per cent will be provided by the service provider, municipalities, private ventures, co-operatives, social enterprises and/or regional government partnerships.
Support for innovation and technology delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Establishing cell service in the Town of Bauline acts as a catalyst for increased business development in this area of the province. By supporting this project, our government is increasing opportunities for future development in the town, as well as boosting their strategy to enhance the visitor experiences.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Investment in cellular service infrastructure has been a priority for the town and this announcement is great news for the residents of Bauline. There are many benefits of having cell coverage for current and future residents, businesses, and economic development activity.”
Craig LeGrow
Mayor, Town of Bauline
“As the largest investor in Canadian communications infrastructure, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bell understands the importance of advanced wireless broadband connections to the Town of Bauline. Offering access to Canada’s best national mobile network to these communities will provide residents and visitors with greatly enhanced connectivity and a range of new innovation and growth opportunities.”
Glen LeBlanc
Vice Chair Atlantic, Bell Canada
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Learn more
Cellular Service Pilot Initiative Call for Proposals 
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Craig LeGrow
Town of Bauline
709-335-7376
mayor@townofbauline.ca
Isabelle Boulet
Bell Canada
506-457-5554
isabelle.boulet@bellaliant.ca