Bell MTS reveals cause of faulty landline services in Manitoba
After dealing with several complaints, Bell MTS has shared the reason why its landline phone service was not working.
As CTV News reported last week, many people complained about the service provided by Bell MTS, which resulted in the federal regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), mandating the company to explain why there were so many problems in the Winnipeg area and how it planned to fix the issue.
Charlene Bosch, the owner of Bosch Greenhouses, said it was not easy to let customers know when her seasonal business was planning on opening up this year.
“We have to be able to let them contact us,” said Bosch, adding they could not connect by phone.
She said the Bell MTS phone service, which she said has never been perfect, was worse than usual starting in March.
“I phoned MTS and they couldn’t hear me, I could barely make them out. I said, 'Somebody’s got to fix this because this is our business line.'”
In a letter, Bell MTS attributes the issues to the soggy spring weather combined with outdated cable infrastructure.
Bell bought MTS five years ago and it is also the parent entity for CTV News.
“MTS' practices involved very short term solutions that left the network vulnerable to water penetration in the face of heavy rainfall,” the letter said.
The letter also said since 2017, Bell MTS has spent $330 million to improve and maintain the existing wireline network and is now accelerating its fibre service expansion, estimating half of those in the Winnipeg area will have access to it by the end of the year.
“Unfortunately, given the state of the copper network we inherited, this is not an issue that can be overhauled and corrected within the few years we have owned the network,” Bell MTS said in the letter.
It also said to deal with the unprecedented number of service calls it is doubling the number of line technicians by hiring and training more. On top of that, employees have been pulled from other markets to service Winnipeg, with many working overtime.
The antiquated cable explanation is too late for Bosch.
“They should have known what they were walking into when they made the offer purchase,” said Bosch.
Bosch has already changed service providers.
The CRTC said it is reviewing Bell MTS' response and will determine if additional steps are needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.