Due to the lack of cell service in their area, two small, western Newfoundland communities have raised $80,000 to green-light a tower project, reported Global News.
Under a funding agreement with the provincial government and Bell Mobility, the communities had to raise 15 percent of the tower’s costs before the project could move forward, which they accomplished with talent shows and dances, soliciting door-to-door and more.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Network has been working with the towns since 2016.
According to Wendy Brake of the Network, the lack of service has caused safety concerns, hindered economic development for local businesses and entrepreneurs, negatively affected tourism and driven young people to move away.
As of October 2018, there were already ten proposals submitted to the province’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation for a pilot project to increase coverage, reported Global News.
June 26, 2019
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