Residents of C.B.N. say wildfires show need for improved rural cell coverage

Residents in the Newfoundland and Labrador town of Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove say the recent wildfire emergency should serve as the latest warning that cellular service in rural parts of the province needs to be greatly improved.

Pauline White, who lives in the fire-stricken community of Adam's Cove, says she's been concerned over the lack of service in the region for years. When she was forced to evacuate this week at the height of an out-of-control wildfire, and left the wi-fi  connection in her home, she says she was essentially cut off from important information and updates as a result.

"We had a cell phone that we couldn't use. There was no wi-fi, no cell signal. I couldn't get a hold of any of my family to let them know that we were OK. I couldn't let anybody know about the house," she said Friday.

"My phone is reading SOS," she added, referring to her phone's connection to a signal only allowing for emergency calls.

Residents in that region aren't alone in their desire for a stronger signal. Those in other rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador have been calling on the province to improve signal coverage for years.

Earlier this week, Bell Canada pulled out of an agreement that would have brought high-speed internet and cellular service to the north coast of Labrador. The company said the cost was too high and there were challenges in geography.

Speaking with CBC News in September, former Burgeo-La Poile MHA Andrew Parsons said the province knows about the challenges residents face.

White said she's heard of plans for better services for years, but says now is the time for action — especially given new political leadership both federally and provincially.

"Please get us connected. It is essential," she said.

"We're an hour-and-a-half outside of St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, a province in the nation of Canada, and we do not have cell service that we can rely on.… This is the 21st century. We have got to move forward."

Sue Rose, a town councillor in Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, said poor service is the number one concern she hears from tourists who visit the region each year.

The town will take lessons away from their response to the wildfire, she said, including how they share information.

That's a challenge with poor service, she added.

"This is life and death at times," Rose said.

"This is not acceptable anymore, and it's long overdue."

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