The minister responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) says he’s concerned in light of continued limited cell service in the capital city’s west end and downtown area.

Cell service was affected by a series of deliberately-set fires targeting telecommunications infrastructure in the capital city over the summer.

While Bell officials are working to restore service, it remains spotty and unreliable in many parts of the city.

Minister Craig Pardy says while his department is primarily focused on ensuring adequate cell phone service in rural areas, he’s concerned that mobile coverage in the capital city is still lacking.

“I can understand for the telecommunications companies not having enough customer base (to allow for) for (an) investment in towers, but that’s not the west end of St. John’s.”

Bell says the arsons caused “significant damage” to multiple Bell network infrastructure in the metro area.

It has been working on the damage since the incidents occurred and is making “good progress” restoring and strengthening the wireless service.

The company says wireless service should be restored by the end of November.

Separately, Bell is rebuilding its Blackmarsh Road cell tower which, once in service, will include additional spectrum bands and improved network capability.