For the last month, teams from CBC News have been traveling across the province, shadowing party leaders as they campaign to secure votes leading up to election day. I’ve been on the road as a reporter covering the campaign for CBC’s website, often writing from the back of a vehicle en route to the next campaign event, provided I have internet connectivity.
Cellular service can be unreliable on many of the province’s vast roadways, posing challenges for journalists and potential dangers in emergency situations. This issue was highlighted during the summer when residents of Conception Bay North faced poor cellphone service while evacuating due to wildfires, potentially missing crucial information.
Residents like Haley Kinden from Lewisporte feel that cellphone coverage in Newfoundland and Labrador has deteriorated, especially in areas like Embree and Brown’s Arm. Kinden mentioned that while Lewisporte has decent coverage, her friends in neighboring towns frequently encounter connection problems, leading some to resort to services like Starlink for internet access.
Dean Kean, residing in New-Wes-Valley, echoed similar sentiments, describing cellphone service in his community as minimal at best, with limited coverage even within his own home. Both Kinden and Kean believe that cellphone service has worsened in their respective areas, though the exact cause remains unclear.
Despite cellphone service falling under federal jurisdiction, both the provincial Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties have made it a focal point in their election campaigns. The CRTC approved funding for a new Bell Canada cellphone tower near Gander Bay South in August 2024, with the project currently in the planning phase.
Liberal Leader John Hogan emphasized the need for improved cellphone service due to the proliferation of wireless devices, committing to work with Bell to enhance coverage if reelected. Similarly, PC Leader Tony Wakeham pledged $3 million annually to enhance cell coverage province-wide, emphasizing collaboration with federal authorities and network providers.
Bell spokesperson Geoff Higdon noted ongoing efforts to enhance service and collaborate with government entities for improved coverage and reliability. Despite requests for interviews, Bell provided a statement underscoring their commitment to expanding and enhancing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.