Waskada reeve calls for reliable cell service

The Reeve of the Municipality of Brenda-Waskada says a longstanding lack of reliable cellular service in Waskada has become more than an inconvenience.

Waskada is about 100 kilometres southwest of Brandon, putting the community in the southwestern corner of Manitoba near both the Saskatchewan boundary and North Dakota border.

Reeve Maurice Saltel said the community has struggled with inconsistent cellular service for as long as he can remember, and the gaps in coverage could pose serious safety concerns.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a consistent cell service here,” he told the Sun. “The problem has become increasingly difficult to justify in an era when cellular phones are a primary means of communication, particularly in emergencies.”

He said the situation reflects a broader change in how telecommunications services are delivered in rural Manitoba.

“Out here, the business model just won’t fit,” Saltel said. “ … there aren’t enough customers to generate the profit that they would like to have.”

He said telecommunications companies should nevertheless work with governments to ensure rural Manitobans have access to reliable cellular service.

“I am saying it should be a concerted effort to put cell towers in everywhere where it helps the citizens of this country, citizens of Manitoba, to access cell service for emergencies and for safety.”

Saltel said the municipality has contacted a service provider (Bell MTS) about the problem and specifically requested a new cell tower in the area, but the request was declined.

The issue is particularly concerning in a region where agriculture and other rural industries require people to work considerable distances from populated areas, he said.

Saltel said farm accidents and other emergencies can happen without warning.

“If you’re unable to use your cell phone to get and talk to someone to help you out, if you’re stuck in farm machinery or something happens and unable to use cell phone service to contact someone, it becomes a safety issue,” he said.

Residents have found different ways to work around the problem.

Saltel said Wi-Fi calling can provide an alternative for some smartphone users, but it does not solve every communication need.

He cited medical services as one example, saying some providers do not offer the same communication options through Wi-Fi that residents might otherwise rely on.

The problem also extends beyond Waskada itself.

Saltel said cellular service can be spotty in surrounding communities and rural areas, including west of Waskada along the U.S. border.

The community’s proximity to the United States creates another complication. Waskada is about 10.7 kilometres from the North Dakota border, according to geographic information for the community.

Saltel said residents travelling close to the border can sometimes have their phones connect to AT&T’s U.S. network even while they remain in Canada.

“They’ll sometimes be still in Canada and then get charged roaming charges for AT&T,” he said.

Residents who keep roaming enabled on their Canadian plans may not realize their phones have connected to a U.S. network, he said.

Turning off roaming can prevent unexpected charges, but Saltel said that is not always a practical solution for people who need their phones connected while travelling throughout the region.

Some residents have responded by purchasing U.S. plans or, because of the area’s proximity to Saskatchewan, using SaskTel.

Saltel said satellite technology could potentially provide another solution, but the cost remains an important consideration.

“If they can provide it through satellite for the same price, we’re in,” he said.

For Saltel, the question is ultimately about ensuring rural communities receive the same basic access to communications that residents of larger centres take for granted.

But he believes governments can provide incentives or other supports to encourage companies to expand service into areas where private investment alone may not be sufficient.

Saltel said he is not necessarily expecting the problem to be solved overnight, but wants to see a sustained effort to improve coverage.

“It doesn’t have to be done all in one year,” he said. “Just make a steady, consistent effort to provide services in areas that are spotty or don’t have it. Just make the effort.”

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