Quebec allocates $27.7M for 17 new cell towers across 10 regions outside metro areas
The third phase of Opération couverture cellulaire targets the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais, Mauricie, and six other regions. All towers must be operational by September 2028.
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Quebec is investing $27.7 million to build 17 new cell tower sites across 10 regions, marking the third phase of "Opération couverture cellulaire," which launched in 2022.
Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs Minister France-Élaine Duranceau announced the expansion Monday. The new towers will serve the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais, Mauricie, Estrie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Chaudière-Appalaches, Centre-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Construction must be completed by September 30, 2028. Bell Canada, Sogetel Mobilité, Telus Communications, and Vidéotron will operate the towers depending on region.
The province says connectivity is essential for quality of life, safety, economic development, and regional vitality. In the first two phases of the program, construction has begun on 211 cell sites, with 87 already operational. By December 31, 2026, the province expects nearly all 211 to be in service.
Once all 228 planned sites (the original 211 plus the new 17) are operational, Quebec projects cell coverage will reach 93.1 per cent on numbered highways and 99.3 per cent for in-building units. Since the program's launch, Quebec has invested nearly $280 million to expand coverage across the province.
