Cellular coverage in East Central Alberta

AI summary

Petitioners ask providers to eliminate cellular gaps in East Central Alberta and ensure emergency mobile connectivity. The government responds it funds connectivity (Universal Broadband Fund), requires CRTC coverage-data reforms, cites Rogers’ $1B and satellite rules.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons Whereas: We, the constituents of Battle River-Crowfoot, draw the attention of the House to the following: There has been a significant reduction in cellular phone and data services experienced in the region for the past several months in addition to generally limited coverage; That cellular and emergency 911 services in rural East Central Alberta-specifically around Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, and Hardisty—have dangerously declined, leaving residents stranded without reliable access to life-saving emergency help; and That Rural Canada is the backbone of our country, and hard-working taxpayers should never be left in the dark to fend for themselves without basic, dependable infrastructure. Therefore: We call upon the House of Commons to: Call upon Canadian cellular service providers to follow through on their commitment to their customers and eliminate cellular service gaps in East Central Alberta. Ensure that rural communities are no longer overlooked and have safe and reliable emergency connectivity.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Signed by The Honourable Mélanie Joly The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their experience on the quality of cellular connectivity in Battle River-Crowfoot. The Government of Canada knows that now more than ever, Canadians rely on telecommunications services for work, school, finances, health care, and staying connected. In particular, the Government recognizes the importance of mobile connectivity to public safety and emergency services, consumer protection, and economic growth. In 2019, the Government released High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy, which committed to connecting all Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2030 and to improving mobile wireless coverage where Canadians live and work, and along underserved roads. The Government is investing directly and using its regulatory powers to achieve these goals. For example, the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a key initiative under the Strategy and provides a total of $3.225 billion to support connectivity in underserved rural and remote communities. This includes up to $50 million for mobile wireless projects, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) also has a Broadband Fund, sourced through an industry levy, to support connectivity projects, including for mobile wireless networks in underserved communities and along major transportation roads. Together, these programs have announced approximately $80 million in contributions towards cellular projects, which is expected to improve coverage along approximately 1,700 kilometers of road. In partnership with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada will continue to pursue opportunities to identify gaps and improve cell coverage across Canada. These efforts are supported by the legally binding commitments on Rogers to invest $1 billion to improve broadband and mobile connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the four Western provinces, including Alberta, in order to close critical connectivity gaps in underserved areas. Expanding cellular coverage through satellite connections is also a rapidly advancing development. In February 2025, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) published a framework outlining the rules for deploying cellular services that provide mobile connectivity using satellites. This promising technology allows mainstream devices, such as smartphones, to receive service outside of the tower coverage footprint via satellite. This service is currently available on select compatible devices through partnerships between service providers and satellite operators, and supports intermittent texting and select applications. Canada was one of the first countries to have this service available, and more providers have recently announced plans to offer it to their customers. As this technology develops, more robust services and applications are expected to become available. The Government is also taking action to improve the quality of mobile coverage data. In 2023, the Government issued a binding policy direction to the CRTC, which included a direction for it to develop and implement a standardized and robust approach for reporting mobile coverage. The CRTC has been progressively implementing the policy direction by translating it into their detailed rules. On January 15, 2026, the CRTC launched a public proceeding to develop a standardized, evidence-based methodology to improve mobile coverage data collection in its Annual Facilities Survey. Data from the survey is used to produce coverage statistics and maps that show mobile and broadband coverage, such as ISED’s National Broadband Map. This initiative responds to persistent public concerns about gaps in mobile coverage. Improved reporting standards are intended to support better identification of coverage gaps, help in policy and funding decisions, and strengthen coordination. The call for comments on this proceeding closed on April 15, 2026 and a decision is pending. The Government looks forward to continuing to engage with Canadians and all levels of government to promote access to high-quality and reliable mobile services across the country.