North Perth has received a report regarding cell service gaps in the area.
Economic Development Officer, Kim Kowch, says a recent survey of over 300 residents and businesses showed that cell service gaps are more common than they might have assumed. She says the gaps include no service or dropped calls and it affects many different aspects of life.
"Gaps can have significant impacts on our businesses and agriculture sector, on their viability, personal safety, and emergency response times. So there has been suggestions that this reduction in service may be due to North Perth's population expansion and business growth, plus the big increase in cell phone usages and texting services in general. So attempts by customers to resolve the issues with their providers, or even changing providers, has had a minimal impact," Kowch explained.
Kowch says council has asked that a letter be written to important stakeholders and organizations.
"Stakeholders and organizations that have impact on the situation. So we need to identify and quantify the cellular service gaps so that action and supports to see these gaps close quickly, can take place. So, what exactly the outcome will be is to be determined," noted Kowch.
In terms of outside help, Kowch adds that Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and MP John Nater are both aware of the situation.
"The MP's office is trying to organize a roundtable, and details haven't been finalized, but it would feature different parties involved in this, so we're hopeful that that will also move things forward," Kowch said.
