The provincial Liberals are calling on the government to improve cell service in rural parts of the province.
Dougald Lamont, the Manitoba Liberal Leader, says Premier Pallister is making excuses for Bell MTS when the premier says that tower construction to improve bad service in rural areas is “a massive investment.”
Dougald Lamont says it should not be up to the public to foot the bill after a reduction in investing of Bell MTS.
According to Lamont, after the merger of Bell MTS is investing 1 billion dollars in the five years since the merger to improve coverage. That’s down 300 million from the 1.3 MTS invested by MTS in the same length of time between 2011 and 2015.
Lamont says “We’re seeing the same or worse cell service, higher rates, and no increase in investment at all in rural areas that need better coverage.”
Farmers are also pushing for better coverage.
Bill Campbell, the President of the Keystone Ag producers, says cell coverage was an issue at the organization’s summer meeting. Some of the concerns brought up focuses on natural disasters, such as the Alonsa tornado, and also farmers working alone in the field who might need medical or emergency help.
“We’re finding that some of the service has actually decreased since the merger of Bell and MTS. So, I think, bringing this awareness to the government that there has not been enhanced coverage, as they have been led to believe. So it’s kinda decreased.”
Campbell says most of the discussion last week focused on areas around southern Manitoba. A resolution wasn’t passed at the meeting because it’s already KAP policy to lobby for better service.
We’ve reached out to the provincial government for comment.
