No room for new web accounts in Goose Bay

Bell Aliant has stopped taking new internet customers in the largest town in Labrador, prompting a cabinet minister to call for an online upgrade in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"It's just not acceptable in this day and age," said Labrador Affairs Minister John Hickey. "This is something that we all rely on now … It's a basic, basic need."   Bell Aliant said it has reached capacity in its ability to offer internet service. The local cable provider is also not taking on new customers.

"I was a little bit shocked," said Sarah Oldford, who recently moved into a new apartment. A teacher, she said she uses the internet to complete some of her work.

"Instead of sitting at school for hours and hours typing up report cards, I'd like to be able to do them from the comfort of my own home."

An official with Bell Aliant told CBC News there is simply not enough bandwidth to take on new clients in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where existing customers have noticed that speeds slow down dramatically during peak times.

Meanwhile, the company said it is working on a temporary fix, and will be looking at upgrades in 2011.