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Ladysmith RCMP are investigating an apparent deliberate attempt to damage a cell tower near Nanaimo Airport. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
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Cell service temporarily interrupted after ‘suspicious fire’ at tower near Nanaimo airport

Feb 24, 2022 | 4:44 PM

NANAIMO — Some cell customers remain temporarily without access to service on their phones after a fire at a local tower.

A Telus staff member alerted authorities of an issue at the site on McGillivary Rd., near Spruston Rd. around midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 23. Ladysmith RCMP officers responded around 8 a.m. to begin an investigation.

“When frontline officers attended, there was enough evidence gathered to suggest that this was a deliberate act to damage the infrastructure,” Cpl. Alex Bérubé said in a release.

Service continues to be interrupted in a 30 to 40 kilometre radius around the site, located near the north end of Nanaimo Airport on the western side of Hwy. 1.

Some customers in Cassidy, Cedar and Yellow Point are affected, although overlapping coverage is helping in some areas.

The facility is shared by Telus and Rogers with work underway to restore full coverage as soon as possible.

“The RCMP Forensic Identification Service (FIS) attended and processed the scene. The RCMP is also working collaboratively with the Office of the Fire Commissioner,” Bérubé added.

Anyone with information on the nature of the fire is asked to contact Ladysmith RCMP at 250 245 2215.

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