Lake Babine Nation will soon benefit from high-speed internet and enhanced cellular coverage with the completion of a new Telus tower slated for October. 

Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam told Lakes District 亚洲天堂 the tower will be operational by October 15.

鈥淭his will certainly help the community, especially since high-speed internet is currently almost non-existent here,鈥� Adam said, while adding, this is the first cellular tower in their area. 

The new infrastructure, being constructed in Fort Babine, will enhance coverage for the Lake Babine Nation community and extend service along nearly six kilometres of highway adjacent to Lake Babine.

The project, which has been in the works for nearly 15 years, was approved over a decade ago but has only recently progressed, Adam said. Lake Babine Nation had sought support from both federal and provincial governments to bring cell service to their remote area. Provincial Ministry of Citizen's Services announced funding for the project exactly two years ago in Aug. 2022. 

The total project cost is approximately $2.3 million, with $2 million provided by the provincial and federal governments through the Connecting British Columbia program, and Telus Communications contributing $231,000.

The project includes construction of a 60 metre self-support telecommunications tower, and installation of associated equipment including an equipment shelter, and a 40 kW Cat diesel generator set with a fuel tank.