Despite a letter-writing campaign that started in August calling on Telus to improve spotty cellphone reception in Penhold, Mayor Dennis Cooper said council is still waiting to hear details on a resolution.
“We’re disappointed with Telus because we thought after them asking us to get letters written that we would probably hear something from them,” he said.
Cooper explained that because the town is in a bit of a dip, signals go over the town. “I have a two-storey house and if I get to the top of the house I get one and a half to two bars. If I walk downstairs, I lose reception.” The town has property where a tower could be built, he added.
“It’s not that we need a huge tower, we just need a tower to reach out to the municipality. With two to three square miles, it would also help our rural counterparts around the area — they also have very poor reception.”
Chris Gerritsen, media contact for Telus, said they are aware of the issue, and it is their goal to improve service.
“Our goal is absolutely to improve service in the area and remove gaps in coverage,” he said, adding that building a tower is being considered. He said he couldn’t offer a timeline on when Penhold could see improvements, saying there are a number of steps that need to be taken before construction begins.
“I wouldn’t want to say exactly when — I’m sure our competitors would want to know. But rest assured, we are aware and are going to improve the service in the area, definitely.”
Cooper hopes Telus will consider their tower in the 2012 budget. “I know a number of people did send letters,” he said. “I’ve sent a letter and I didn’t get a response but my daughter sent a letter and she did get a letter back. So they have responded to some. I’m hoping Telus can look to put in their 2012 budget and correct their basically, their poor reception within the town.”
It was in August, that the town initiated a letter-writing campaign, encouraging residents who also experience dropped calls to write to Telus. More information on the campaign, and how to get involved, can be found on the Town of Penhold’s website.
