Telecom Order CRTC 2025-127

Gatineau, 30 May 2025

Broadband Fund – Rogers Communications Canada Inc.’s mobile wireless project in northern British Columbia – Request for extension

In Telecom Decision 2024-69, the Commission awarded up to $11,907,958 to Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (Rogers) for its project to build new cellular towers to serve approximately 70 kilometres of Highway 37 in northern British Columbia.

On 11 October 2024, Rogers submitted an application in which it requested an extension to 21 October 2025 to submit its completed statement of work (SOW) package to the Commission.
In its application, Rogers provided evidence that it had engaged with communities in the area of its project, including three First Nations communities. Rogers requested the extension on the basis that it needs more time to continue its engagement efforts with the affected First Nations.

As noted in Telecom Notice of Consultation 2022-325, the Commission considers that meaningful engagement and consultation with affected Indigenous groups present an invaluable opportunity for applicants to learn how a project may best serve the needs of the group and to benefit from the traditional knowledge held by the Indigenous community members.
The Commission considers that the approach to engagement undertaken by Rogers will help the company establish and maintain relationships with the First Nations communities affected by this project. Such relationships are critical to the project’s success.

In light of the above, the Commission approves, by majority, Rogers’ request for an extension to submit its completed SOW package.
The revised deadline to submit the completed SOW package is 21 October 2025.

Secretary General