Benzinga | Nov 15, 2021 03:03PM EST

Shaw Communications Reports Partnership With Translink To Provide Wireless Connectivity Throughout Evergreen, Columbia, Millennium Tunnels, No Terms Disclosed

Shaw Mobile and Freedom Mobile customers can now talk, text and stream when riding through all SkyTrain system tunnels

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shaw Communications Inc. and TransLink today announced the expansion of underground LTE connectivity for Shaw Mobile and Freedom Mobile customers travelling on the SkyTrain system.

Beginning today, Shaw Mobile and Freedom Mobile customers can access fast LTE services when travelling through the Evergreen Tunnel between Burquitlam and Moody stations on the Millennium Line as well as the Columbia Station and Millennium Tunnels between New Westminster and Sapperton stations on the Expo Line.

These network upgrades follow the 2018 expansion of fast LTE network access throughout the Dunsmuir Tunnel. With this upgrade, all Shaw Mobile and Freedom Mobile customers can enjoy uninterrupted network access through all underground tunnels across the SkyTrain system, allowing customers to use their phones when travelling through tunnels exactly as they would above ground. These enhancements come at no cost to TransLink or their customers.

"Today's announcement marks a critical milestone in our partnership with TransLink to expand connectivity services for our customers throughout the Lower Mainland," said Paul Deverell, President, Consumer, Shaw Communications. "Regardless of where Shaw Mobile and Freedom Mobile customers are travelling on the SkyTrain system, they can stay connected."

"Upgrading access to the LTE network on TransLink's system ensures customers will have secure and reliable cell service to keep them connected to their loved ones while on transit," says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "Now our customers can easily stay connected with the people that matter most, while we connect them to the places that matter most."

This announcement is the latest in a series of initiatives that Shaw and TransLink have worked on together to enhance the experience of thousands of Metro Vancouverites on their daily commutes, including the system-wide rollout of free WiFi for TransLink customers on buses, SeaBuses, SkyTrains, transit stations and major transit hubs. TransLink expects the rollout will be complete in 2026.

For more information, visit https://www.freedommobile.ca/en-CA/transit-coverage.

Freedom Mobile Inc. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Shaw Communications Inc.