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Government to Review Satellite Phone Service in Labrador Due to concerns raised recently regarding satellite phone service on the Trans Labrador Highway, the Department of Transportation and Works has begun a review in order to make necessary improvements. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, says the department is in the midst of completing an inventory of all satellite phones used on the Trans Labrador Highway to ensure they are in working order and will investigate methods to enhance how the service is administered. "I certainly acknowledge we have problems in maintaining communications on this stretch of road," said Minister Hickey. "Our preferred solution would be to see cell phone coverage but that may be some years away. Satellite phones are our only option at this time and they have shortcomings � the phones break, are hard to keep track of and are of limited use. We will certainly review the current arrangements to see how we can make upgrades."The Department of Transportation and Works purchases and operates the phones which are distributed by local hotels. The service is set up to allow calls to be made to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, depending on location of the caller, via an emergency call centre contracted by the satellite service provider. Unfortunately, on occasion, there have been reports of the phones not working properly. This may occur due to some �dead� spots for reception of the satellite signal or problems with the phones holding their charge. Minister Hickey points out that the service provider launched four new satellites in the area in March and is currently launching four more. "We hope these new satellites will make a difference but we will continue our own internal review to determine ways in which we can improve how this service is administered and maintained." -30- Media contact: DavidSalter@gov.nl.ca 2007 05 25 9:45 a.m.
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