Advertisement

Two N.L. communities raise $80,000 to bring cell tower to the region

Hero Images via Getty Images

Fed up with lack of cellular service, two western Newfoundland communities have raised the necessary funds to bring a cell tower to their region.

A committee of Mainland and Three Rock Cove residents tried everything from talent shows, pumping gas, organizing dances and door-knocking to raise the approximate sum of $80,000 needed to green-light the project.

READ MORE: The best, cheapest cellphone plans in Canada in 2019

Wendy Brake of the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Network said she had been working with the communities over the need for cell reception since 2016.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She said the issue caused safety concerns, hindered economic development for local businesses and entrepreneurs, negatively affected tourism and drove young people to move away.

Click to play video: 'Major wireless carrier offering new unlimited plans'
Major wireless carrier offering new unlimited plans

WATCH ABOVE: Rogers is about to begin offering its customers unlimited data plans, with a catch. Jordan Armstrong has the details, and whether other networks could follow.

The small French-speaking communities had to amass 15 per cent of the cell tower’s costs under a funding agreement with the provincial government and Bell Mobility.

Story continues below advertisement

A statement from the province’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation says that by last October’s deadline it had received 10 proposals for a pilot project to bring cellular coverage to more communities.

Sponsored content

AdChoices