Governments continuing to work toward cell service improvements across N.L.

Most people have one of these in their pocket. Depending where you are, it might not always be connected. But there's work being done to get the entire province cell service. Cellular coverage is a federal responsibility, but Ottawa says it works with provinces, territories and cell service companies in getting people connected. The Secretary of State for Rural Development says government's goals connect all of Canada to the internet by 2030. I bump into Philip Earle and Paul Connors, Tom Osborne and of course the Minister, Joanne Thompson. They are constant reminders to me that we've got to really focus on Newfoundland and Labrador and make sure they're fairly treated. The feds have put aside $50 million as part of its universal broadband fund. But emerging tech means the way that connection happens can look different. Belanger says different options could be used here, including fibre optics and satellite systems. The province is also aware of the changing landscape of cell service. Will towers become not significant? It's too early to say, but they will become less significant than what they are today as we get closer to that technology materializing. During their election campaign in 2025, the PCs promised to put an extra $3 million per year towards increasing cellular coverage in the province. Now, they say that number has gone up. The federal government came in with $6.3 million. We're going to provide $6.3 million. So it's a little over what we had stated earlier. Last year, the Liberal government announced a $2 million commitment over five years, working with Bell to grow rural coverage in three communities. Heartsease, Islington, Holyrood and Trinity East. Parties said that initiative is continuing under the current government and those are expected to be ready in December. There are three that would be activated by December of this year in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and that predates me. As for choosing which areas to prioritise next, parties said three criteria go into that decision making. So there are solutions and there's ways to do this and it is 2026 so let's get with it because I mean that is one of the things people of this province are asking for is good cell coverage. In a statement from Bell, the company said it's working collaboratively with all levels of government to improve connectivity across the province. Federally and provincially, there's work being done to get this province connected. But as for right now, some people still might find themselves searching for service. Madison Taylor, CBC News, St. John's.