To address gaps and deficiencies in cellular service infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a Call for Proposals to cellular providers. This follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) from communities who wish to be considered for improved cellular service, which closed in September 2023.
A listing of communities identified during the Expressions of Interest will be given to service providers interested in submitting proposals during the Call for Proposals phase of the initiative. The list of communities will be reviewed and technical commentary provided on solution feasibility and the potential of enhancing coverage in the noted areas. Service providers interested in submitting proposals and receiving a list of EOIs received from communities/regions can get more information in the backgrounder below.
After the close of the Call for Proposals from providers, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology will review each community EOI in relation to cellular service provider’s proposed solutions and interests. Based on best-fit solutions, providers may be invited to submit an application for funding for a cellular enhancement project in a number of communities, as identified by the Department.
This is part of the Cellular Service Improvement Initiative, a cost-shared program to encourage partnership to improve connectivity services.
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“Our government continues to provide funding to support the enhancement of cellular services across the province and we will continue to make it a priority. The cell coverage initiative is a strategic investment to support residents, as well as help generate economic growth and create employment for the people of our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
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Cellular Service Improvement Initiative
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BACKGROUNDER
Call for Proposals from Service Providers – Cellular Service Improvement Initiative
The objective of the cost-shared Cellular Service Improvement Initiative is to improve the business case for telecommunication carriers to expand coverage to communities that are currently unserved or underserved and facilitate new investments in the province’s cellular service infrastructure. At the conclusion of this Call, it is expected that cellular service providers, working in partnership with interested communities/municipalities, regional organizations, and other government partners, will be invited to prepare cost-shared proposals for consideration.
To assist with identifying unserved and underserved areas in the province, the Department launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) in June 2023 for communities and regions who wish to be considered in the initiative. EOIs were received until September 15, 2023.
Service providers interested in submitting proposals during this Call may receive a list of EOIs received from communities/regions by contacting: Dion Sheppard (ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-7274). The list of communities should be reviewed and technical commentary provided on solution feasibility and the potential of enhancing coverage in the noted areas.
After the close of the Call for Proposals from providers, the Department will review each community EOI in relation to cellular service provider’s proposed solutions and interests. Based on best-fit solutions, providers may be invited to submit an application for funding for a cellular enhancement project in a number of communities, as identified by IET.
Any resulting projects will be cost-shared with the following funding parameters:
Provincial Government – up to 40 per cent.
Cellular service provider – minimum 50 per cent.
Community/municipal and other government partners, other private sector, non-profit organizations – remaining 10 per cent. Shortlisted communities must verify financial contributions prior to funding being approved for projects.
Proposals are to be submitted via email to:
Dion Sheppard
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Telephone: 709-729-7274
Email: ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca
Proposals must be submitted by 12 noon NST, January 29, 2024. The Department will provide written confirmation that the proposal was received.