Connectivity coverage in B.C.

Learn about the status of high-speed internet and cellular services for the people of British Columbia.

​While people in urban areas may have access to high-speed broadband and cellular connectivity, access to services in some rural, remote and Indigenous communities can still be a challenge.

• High-speed internet in B.C.
• Cellular in B.C.
• Telecommunications regulations
• Federal health and safety guidelines
• What is RF energy? 
• Services in your community 

High-speed internet in B.C.

In 2016, the federal Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) set target speeds for high-speed internet of 50 Megabits uploads and 10 Megabits downloads (Mbps.)

It is estimated that 96.1 per cent of households in B.C. have access to target speeds of 50/10 Mbps. 76.5 per cent of households in rural B.C. and 80.3 per cent of households on First Nation reserves and Modern Treaty Nation lands have access to the recommended internet speeds. When all current projects are complete, that figure will rise to 91 per cent and 91.7 per cent, respectively.

Providing internet services to all households in B.C. is a key priority for the Province. The government encourages the growth of rural and Indigenous connectivity infrastructure. This is done through funding programs like the Connecting Communities BC program. Visit our funded projects page to find more information as well as an interactive map.

To see where high-speed internet is available in B.C. and across Canada, view the federal National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.

Questions about internet speeds?

Not getting the internet speeds you think you should have? Find out how to make the most of your internet speed and what to do if your internet speed is slow.

Cellular in B.C.

Telecommunications, including cellular communications, are federally regulated in Canada by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Cellular coverage along highways is key to improving public safety. Since 2017, the BC government has given $90 million to expand cellular services. These programs fund the foundational infrastructure needed for internet and cellular connectivity across the province.

What is the status of cellular connectivity in B.C.?

B.C. has 15,000 km of primary and secondary highways. As of January 2024, 4,800 km (32%) lack advanced cellular service, much of which is without the power needed for cell towers. 

The Connecting British Columbia program first funded expanding cell networks in B.C. It has allocated $15 million so far to improve cell service on highways. This has connected 532 highway km and 30 rest areas, including 252 km and two rest areas along Highway 16 – the Highway of Tears (as of January 2024).

In March 2023, the Province announced additional funding. This supports the expansion of highway cellular service and is administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust through the Cellular Expansion Fund. Details are available through Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Visit our funded projects web page. It has more information about projects in your community and an interactive map.

Why are some parts of the province without cell reception?

B.C. has some of Canada's most rugged and diverse terrain. Our province is home to many hard-to-reach areas. One of the primary challenges to expanding cellular services is the availability of power. Cellular infrastructure requires power. But, for many remote areas and highways across B.C. there is no power. This makes a tough business case for cellular providers. 

How are telecommunications regulated?

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates and supervises the telecommunications industry in Canada.

The Government of British Columbia cannot direct service providers where to make their investments. Instead, it works to leverage the Government’s investment in telecommunications services to encourage the expansion of internet services where there may not otherwise be a business case to do so.

Learn more about the roles of different levels of government in connectivity expansion and uptake.

Who can help me with my telecommunications service issue?

There are several organizations you can reach out to if you have issues with your telecommunications services:

• Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services
• Better Business Bureau
• Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission

What are the federal health and safety guidelines?

Protection from potential risks from exposure to radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy are provided through Safety Code 6.

What is radio-frequency (RF) energy?

Please see the federal government’s website on Radio-frequency (RF) Energy and Health for more information.

Where can I find more information on RF exposures from cell phones?

Health Canada has a guideline, known as Safety Code 6 (SC6), which recommends limits for safe human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy. 

Discover services in your community

Find out available speeds and service providers in your area on the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.