Labrador businesses frustrated with Bell Aliant service

Business owners in Happy Valley-Goose Bay say they're frustrated with sub-par internet and cellphone service. And they say a meeting with Bell Aliant this week did little to allay their concerns.

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce invited company officials to town on Thursday for a forum to address some of the issues local companies have with service in the region.

Bell Aliant was invited to speak about cellphone and internet problems, but advised the group during the discussion that they would not be able to address phone issues, since no one from Bell Mobility was in attendance.

Regina Vickers, owner of Home Furniture, said a lot of people were disappointed to hear that.

"It was really surprising, because there are concerns in town," Vickers said.

"Just overall, I think it's disappointing that people went away and they didn't have their answers."

Hotel owner Lloyd Hillier wants fibre-op for his business, but is upset that Bell Aliant expects him to foot the bill for installation.

He said he wants to be Bell Aliant's customer, not business partner.

The company has said it would need partners to help pay for improved service.

However, residents said they are already dishing out too much money, as consumers and taxpayers, while paying full price for unreliable service.

Bell Aliant also said they would not provide rebates for slow or broken service, such as the interruptions experienced during this summer's forest fires.