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Cowichan’s “Swiss cheese” cell service stymies communication

“I gotta go, I’m almost by Dougan’s Lake,” wrote Brent Holness on the Citizen ’s Facebook page.
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Do we need more cell towers? Service is spotty throughout the region, according to readers. (Citizen file)

“I gotta go, I’m almost by Dougan’s Lake,” wrote Brent Holness on the Citizen’s Facebook page.

The comment earned the most likes from fellow readers under the question, “Are there holes in cell service in the Cowichan Valley?”

The post was related to a story about North Islanders calling for service in dead zones and as it turns out, Cowichan has some serious service setbacks, too.

SEE RELATED: North Islanders call for cell service in gaping Island Highway hole

“I have really bad cell phone reception in the Sahtlam area. It’s so bad (worst in the winter) I’ve had to install a landline just in case of emergency,” wrote Justa-Peg Spencer.

“Us too. We are on Cowichan Lake Road just past Menzies and depending where I am in the house I may and may not have service,” added Lisa Gregus.

Cobble Hill is another trouble spot, according to readers. So, too, is Crofton. Oh, and Cowichan Bay. Mill Bay, too. Let’s not forget Arbutus Ridge, Glenora, Highway 18, Lake Cowichan and Mesachie Lake. Anywhere and everywhere within the region, really.

“Country Grocer at Valley View,” added Amanda Finlayson.

“All of Cobble Hill pretty much,” Shannon Campbell wrote.

“I have almost no cell service in Cobble Hill,” wrote Janna Kucharsky. “Need a closer cell tower.”

“The Island Highway going alongside Mt. Sicker,” mentioned Adam McKenzie.

“Cowichan Bay is very weak and spotty,” wrote Christopher Paton-Gay.

Sharon Powell said she had to put in a land line in Mill Bay because of poor cell service.

The list goes on.

“There is generally terrible coverage across more or less the entirety of the Cowichan,” summed up Damir Wallener.

Bill Sanderson called it Swiss cheese.

“There are holes all over the Island,” concluded John Bourassa.