Trail has tested its new wireless service throughout the city in response to some concerns raised by Trail residents and confirms it's just as reliable as power.

“I've tested it with hand-held devices and laptops and it's functioning,” said information systems coordinator Duane Birnie. “It's possible that some hand-held devices' antennas can't reach these hotspots.”

Though it's beyond the call of duty, Birnie plans on responding to complaints raised in the media by Kristan Iorio, who worked at the Trail Chamber of Commerce for three years, along with former software industry entrepreneur Randy McCallum.

They were out testing several of their devices last week – only to report Trail's “hotspots” were hit or miss.

Trail recently launched the free service as a way to further make use of its fibre optic service.

The wireless network can be accessed in a few locations in Trail – with the strongest signals at the Cominco Arena, along Bay Avenue, at City Hall and at the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

“I took my old laptop out and it's a piece of junk and I was picking stuff up,” said councillor Al Graham at Monday night's city council meeting.

On average, about 25 people are connecting to the wireless service a day, leading the city to assume that residents are using it.

“We've had some people come in and say they can't seem to get on,” said Birnie. “The service is working and people likely just need help getting connected.”