Bell Aliant blames fires for slow Labrador internet
Bell Aliant says poor internet service in Labrador is caused by forest fires that burned in western Labrador in June and July.
Many customers have been complaining about slow speeds, and intermittent internet service for the past number of months.
Major fires in Labrador destroyed sections of Bell's fibre-optic line.
Even though the fires have been out for weeks, spokesperson Isabelle Robinson said repairs aren't finished.
"A number of new poles need to be replaced and burned cable needs to be replaced, and all of that happens in the weeks following an event such as that and contribute to what some may feel or some of those ongoing issues," Robinson said.
In a press release, the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay said the service was "inadequate" for a growing community.
A lot of internet users in Labrador said the broadband connection was poor before the fires.
Robinson said increased demand in Labrador is also putting a strain on the system.
