Telecommunication companies are spending billions of dollars to expand service, especially in rural areas, which have lagged behind urban centres in terms of service.

The latest investment in the East Kootenay comes from Telus, who have just spent $760,000 on a new cellsite for Wasa, which will allow that community access to the 3G network.

"The Wasa Lake tower fills a significant gap in wireless coverage along two key highways in the area," said Steve Jenkins, General Manager for the B.C. Interior South. "At Telus, we know how important wireless services are, and are investing billions of dollars in bringing it to our customers across Canada. The investment we have made in the East Kootenay region not only expands access to 911, it gives people the convenience of making wireless calls wherever they are, great mobile high-speed Internet service where it may not be possible to build wired Internet, and access to the hottest new mobile devices like the iPhone 4 and BlackBerry Torch."

Jenkins says Telus is investing $650 million in B.C. on wired and wireless infrastructure this year. This cellsite is just one of more than 80 being installed across the province.