Canadians don't want cell service in valley

Link: Canadian valley aims to keep cellphone-free quiet – Yahoo! News

Fed up with being constantly reachable, pretty much anywhere in the world? Does your mobile have a habit of ringing while you’re on the beach, halfway up a mountain, or in the middle of a forest? You could just switch it off – or alternatively head for the rural Canadian town of New Denver, British Columbia, where officials are lobbying against a new mobile phone mast.

Yahoo! News are reporting that officials have asked cellular company Telus not to build a planned tower in the area as it will ruin the peace and quiet of the area. According to spokesman Bill Roberts, “The fact that we’re without cellphone service means that we’re able to enjoy life without the incessant sound of ringtones, immediately followed by someone’s shouted conversation. I’m quite delighted that it doesn’t work in New Denver. I’ve been chained to a cellphone.”

The article also says the Slocan Valley Economic Development Commission are planning to promote the areas “cellphone free status” as a unique reason to visit or move to the region – assuming Telus don’t switch on service to the all of around 600 people who live in the town.

(Thanks to SMS Text News reader Paul for the link)