Cellular Service on Prince Edward Island

Cellular service across Prince Edward Island has become increasingly unreliable in recent years. While this industry is federally regulated and delivered through the private sector, the Government of Prince Edward Island understands the impacts on Island residents’ lives and livelihoods. Proper cellular service is vital for public safety, economic development and staying connected with friends and family.  

The Province is working with telecommunication providers, the federal Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to improve this crucial service for residents.

What is causing these issues

There are a number of issues that have contributed to deteriorating cell service across PEI. 

• Capacity: Data usage has increased dramatically since 2023, causing congestion issues
• Coverage: The CRTC has been using outdated data to reflect the actual coverage of cellular providers on PEI, resulting in limited infrastructure improvements by telecommunication providers to further invest across PEI, especially in rural areas.
• Federal regulations: Telecommunication companies have been mandated to remove all Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2027. This mandate has prioritized removing that equipment while inconsistently retrofitting their networks temporarily and deferring the installation of the latest cellular infrastructure technologies.

Who is responsible for telecommunications in Canada

In Canada, telecommunication networks and services are regulated through the CRTC.

If you have been experiencing trouble with your cellular service it is important that you to submit your complaint with the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services. Complaints can be made online, by calling 1-888-221-1687, or by completing and mailing their complaint form.

Where we are today

The Province has hired a third party to conduct a cellular gap analysis across PEI. This report has identified where the coverage gaps exist. High level findings from the analysis include:

• 6,974 civic addresses are without indoor cellular coverage
• 2,458 civic addresses are without outdoor cellular coverage
• 2,210 kilometres of roads are without in-vehicle coverage
• 831 kilometres of roads are without outdoor coverage

What the Province is doing to help

The Government of PEI has been lobbying for cellular service improvements since 2021. It is believed that solving the issue on cellular services need joint partnership between the Province, the federal government and telecommunication providers.

The PEI government has committed $3.4 million into the improvement of cellular services. The first phase in investment will be purchasing micro towers that can be installed atop of publicly owned buildings. 

Discussions between provincial departments, other levels of government, as well as industry are currently underway to clarify capacity and other relevant logistical details. These discussions are expected to conclude by November 2025. The Province will then issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2026 to industry to install their equipment on to these towers.

Phase one is expected to provide the most immediate impact to numerous communities across PEI. Phase two will look at the other underserved areas and use the most cost-effective innovative solutions to provide adequate cellular coverage.

When can improvements be expected

It is expected that towers from the phase one project will be installed and offering improved service later in 2026. 

It is also expected that the public will see improvements in service once all unsanctioned equipment is removed from telecommunication towers. 

Helpful tips

If you are struggling to make calls within your residence, your cellular device may have the option of Wi-fi calling. Explore your settings on your device to check this option, turning on Wi-fi calling may improve your call quality.

New technology may be helpful in case of emergencies. ‘Direct satellite to cell’ service has been introduced by some service providers and cellular manufacturers. We recommend residents contact their service provider directly to understand if this service is available to you.