WestNet Wireless has announced a $12 million investment in new tower infrastructure to bring reliable wireless service to underserved rural Alberta communities, addressing a connectivity gap that has frustrated residents and businesses for years.
The expansion will add 28 new cell towers across southern and central Alberta, focusing on agricultural communities, Indigenous reserves, and highway corridors that currently have dead zones.
"Rural Albertans deserve the same connectivity as people in Calgary and Edmonton," said a WestNet Wireless spokesperson. "This investment will bring reliable 4G LTE coverage to approximately 45,000 residents who currently have limited or no wireless service."
The announcement comes as the federal government's Universal Broadband Fund continues to prioritize rural connectivity. WestNet Wireless secured $4.2 million in federal matching funds for the project.
Farmers and ranchers in the affected areas have been particularly vocal about the need for better coverage. "I can't check grain prices, file crop reports, or even make an emergency call from half my land," said Cochrane-area rancher Bill Macleod. "This is long overdue."
The first phase of towers is expected to be operational by September 2026, with full buildout completed by spring 2027.
WestNet Wireless is part of the WestNet-HD family of companies, which also operates WestNet News and the CalgaryFinder.com local business directory.
Disclosure: WestNet Wireless and WestNet News are divisions of WN Continental Broadcasting.
