Government’s satellite phone service on the Trans Labrador Highway is no longer effective and cell phone coverage must be provided to commuters in Labrador, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Problems with the satellite phone service were again highlighted recently when George Andrews and his family was stranded on the Trans Labrador Highway in -50 degree weather. The satellite phone service did not function properly and the family survived only because a passing vehicle arrived.

“Unlike the Trans Canada Highway, there is no cell phone service on Labrador highways and government has instead provided satellite phones to drivers,” said Ms. Jones. “Recent events have again demonstrated that this service is not reliable and needs to be re-evaluated. It is time government partnered with the private sector to provide this service in regions of the province that currently have no cell phone service.”

Jones says government has partnered with the private sector with other communications initiatives, most notably the $15 million fibre-optic investment. She says it is unsafe to force travelers in Labrador to drive hundreds of kilometers without a reliable communication service. There are very few services along the highway and stranded commuters could be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any help available. This situation is compounded by the fact that the satellite phone service is not always available when lives are at risk.