HALIFAX: A local MLA is still questioning the province about Internet and cellular phone service.
During a question period in the House of Assembly on March 27, Cape Breton-Richmond MLA Alana Paon asked Nova Scotia Business Minister Geoff MacLellan about Internet in Nova Scotia. Specifically, Paon asked MacLellan if the province plans to bring Internet to all Nova Scotians.
“We’ve launched a very historic level of funding into the broadband question,” said MacLellan to The Reporter last week. “We have a $500 million gap here in Nova Scotia. [The amount of] $120 million will certainly start the process of getting us to a place where a good majority of our citizens have solid broadband access.”
MacLellan said the budget for broadband in the two previous provincial budgets was $15 million.
“We have been making big contributions… but it’s a $500 million problem identified by an independent report we just had completed,” said MacLellan. “So because of the offshore royalties and additional access to funds, we committed $120 million to the broadband plan, so we’ve got a massive investment as part of this budget committed entirely to broadband.”
Paon also asked MacLellan about cell service issues. Specifically, Paon asked if MacLellan will direct the rural Internet initiative to also address areas lacking cell coverage.
Answering Paon, MacLellan said his understanding is that some of the shared infrastructure for Internet and cell service may help both causes.
“If there is a way to apply the funding to build towers that have the dual purpose of providing additional broadband and enhance cell service, then certainly we’d be willing to explore if that’s viable and proceed if that’s the case,” MacLellan said.
On March 29, Paon issued a press release stating she met with Emergency Management Minister Derek Mombourquette to discuss phone service problems and safety concerns.
“I’m pleased to say minister Mombourquette has met with me on this very important issue for the people of Forchu, Frambroise, Grand River and surrounding areas,” says Paon. “Residents’ safety is at risk and we can’t waste any more time asking the government for a basic necessity. It’s unacceptable for residents to be unable to make 911 calls or for connections to drop during a call.”
Paon said Mombourquette agreed to hold a meeting on the subject. The date is to be determined. She also stated the Liberal and the Progressive Conservative Parties will lobby the Canadian Radio Television Commission (CRTC) and work with the telecom providers to try and help resolve the issue.