Telus and Koodo wireless customers will have cellular service along Highway 14 between Sooke and Port Renfrew after Telus signed a deal with Rogers Communications for roaming service in the area.
Details of the deal with Rogers were not provided, but Telus spokeswoman Olivia Andolfatto said customers in the area will connect automatically to the network and will be able to use voice, text and data without of additional charges.
“We listened to our customers and understand the importance of connectivity along Highway 14,” she said in a statement. “Telus is always exploring options to further enhance wireless service and we conducted extensive field testing along Highway 14 to ensure a satisfactory customer experience when using extended network coverage.”
She said Telus would work with network partners to continue to enhance the extended-network service.
The extended-service works on the Rogers network that was completed this year.
Seven new cell towers were erected to eliminate a 70-kilometre dead zone along Highway 14 that includes remote communities and some of the Island’s most popular trails and beaches.
The project was funded with $5 million in provincial money and $695,000 from Rogers, which built it.
When the network went live in May, Telus and Bell customers did not have access to the service, as the companies had not yet signed roaming agreements with Rogers.
Telus has now signed on.
Telus customers will notice few changes unless they are on a call while travelling into the area, as calls will disconnect from the Telus network and reconnect to Rogers, a step that takes a few seconds.
Those using data might need to refresh web pages if they are surfing the internet when entering the new network area.
The devices will automatically reconnect when exiting the extended-network area.
There are some limitations to the features and the services available on the extended network, including changes to the way customers access voicemail. Dialing short-code numbers such as 411 (directory assistance) and 811 (the non-emergency health teletriage service) might not be possible.
According to Telus’s website, extended-network coverage is intended for limited and occasional use, and if the majority of a customer’s monthly usage happens on the extended network, the company could restrict or limit access to that network.
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