Bulkley Valley Light Route Microwave System

The Following is a Brief Chronological list, of Telephone Developments in the Bulkley Valley:

• March 1, 1957 - Houston dial service cut into service, using a Type 48A CAX from Boston Bar. (3 digit number)
• June15,1959 - Houston cut over to a Leich 100 switchboard. (4 digit number)
• January 20, 1962 - Smithers, Telkwa receive dial service. Operators used for toll service only. Doug Gordon appointed first foreman in Bulkley Valley.
• March 19, 1966 - Houston upgraded to a P200 trailer Strowger step by step office.
• December 5, 1969 - Kitwanga received dial service, in a P50 trailer using plunger line switches.
• December 8, 1969 - Hazelton receives dial service and operators retire, as long distance service moved to Smithers toll switchboards.
• June 27, 1970 - Long distance service for Smithers, Hazelton, Houston, Kitwanga and Telkwa moved to Prince George operators.
• June 1971- Houston upgraded again to a CI-EAX electronic exchange in a new building.
• November 19, 1981- Telecommunication Workers Union - Local 28 formed in Smithers.
• May 26,1984 - Smithers GTD-5 base unit turned up, Telkwa RSU a satellite.
• September 22,1986 - Telkwa RSU turned up to Terrace base unit.
• November 3, 1986 - Hazelton RSU turned up to Terrace base unit.
• November 29,1986 - Smithers RSU turned up to base in Terrace. Smithers base unit sent to Steveston BC
• February 22, 1987 - Houston RSU turned up to base in Terrace. CI-EAX removed.

Information from Mackenzie Matters, June 1991, page 13

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