Last week, Build Nova Scotia representatives met with Antigonish County Council along with provincial and federal representatives to discuss cell coverage in the area. A post on the county’s web site states Build NS is responsible for managing major infrastructure projects on behalf of the provincial government, including the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative and the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis said Antigonish MLA Michelle Thompson, Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow, Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish, MP Jaime Battiste heard updates on the Cellular for Nova Scotia program, with backers saying it is coming in two phases with a $69.2 million investment. The first phase involves upgrades to 27 existing towers, 16 of which are upgraded, and the construction of 27 new towers by the Department of Emergency management. The second phase will include upgrading the 27 new towers and expanding cell coverage with new carrier owned towers.
MacInnis said Build NS plans to set up towers in Arisaig, Malignant Cove, and North Lochaber, with construction expected to begin this year.
The warden said one big questions on the minds of residents was why is there a decline in cell service. Build NS noted it could be in part due to a federal government decision to replace Huawei and ZTE network equipment with alternatives, with the alternatives potentially not providing the same level of quality.
During Tuesday’s regular council meeting, council voited to send a letter to Build NS thanking them for coming to Antigonish and to ask that the eastern part of Antigonish county be included in phase 2.