Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is calling for immediate action to improve cell service.

MNL has raised the issue repeatedly over the years and reiterated its position following wildfires that ravaged the community of Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove.

President Amy Coady acknowledges the provincial government’s Wi-Fi hotspot pilot project—something she calls a “great” initiative—but it’s not enough. She says the provincial and federal governments need to put more money into mobile infrastructure in the province.

She cites the issues faced by people in the Adam’s Cove area who had to flee their homes. Many ran into problems reaching out to family and friends, and getting through to emergency services.

Coady, a town councillor in Grand Falls-Windsor, says even larger communities have dead zones.

“We have 5G service in Grand Falls-Windsor, but I can drive up Grenfell Heights and be on a call and the call will drop in certain areas.”