Forum Discussion
Request for Cellular Tower Installation on First Nations
Dear TELUS Communications Team,
I am submitting this request for the installation of a TELUS cellular tower to address ongoing gaps in mobile coverage, public safety communications, and digital connectivity in our community.
Our area experiences major service limitations, including frequent dead zones, unreliable connectivity for emergency responders, limited mobile data access for education and health services, and barriers to business operations and tourism. These issues directly affect public safety and economic development.
Reliable cellular service is essential for fire, EMS, and police operations. Current challenges include difficulty coordinating responses, inconsistent ability for residents to call for help, delays in receiving emergency alerts, and increased risk during severe weather or other emergencies. Improved infrastructure would significantly enhance response times and overall community safety.
Local leadership, emergency services, and residents strongly support the installation of a TELUS tower. This project aligns with federal and provincial priorities for improved digital infrastructure and TELUS’ ongoing work with rural and Indigenous communities.
We respectfully request that TELUS:
- Conduct a technical assessment to determine the optimal tower location.
- Provide a project proposal outlining specifications, coverage improvements, timelines, and partnership requirements.
- Engage with community leadership regarding planning, land use, and long‑term service agreements.
- Collaborate with emergency services to ensure the tower meets public safety communication needs.
We are prepared to support site identification, community engagement, and coordination with funding partners.
1 Reply
- Nighthawk
Community Power User
Telus is only one part of getting a tower and not the first step that needs to be taken. Dealing with the CRTC and ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) are usually the first. A band council resolution is sometimes required as well.
This is something I think you should read through. The CRTC has a new initiative for funding for Indigenous communities and they're also looking for feedback:
Getting a tower isn't a fast process. Recommended Government of Canada ISED site about the process to get a tower. The potential for a tower will greatly depend on the community you're in and where it's located. In Alberta, where I am, a small number of indigenous communities have towers within their territory. More often the remote ones. Many have towers just outside of their territory.
