WHITEHORSE, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Bell Mobility and the Government of Yukon announced the launch of 4G wireless service in Pelly Crossing and Burwash Landing.
"Bell Mobility is pleased to welcome Pelly Crossing and Burwash Landing to our national 4G network as Bell and the Yukon government continue to roll out advanced broadband wireless service in the North," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility. "Bell is acknowledged in Canada and globally for our network investment and innovation, delivering the world's best smartphones and mobile services to both consumers and business users. We're bringing that same focus to northern Canada and to meeting the targets set out in Northwestel's Modernization Plan."
This expansion of Bell's 4G network was completed in partnership with the Government of Yukon and is part of Northwestel's Modernization Plan. Launched in 2013, the Plan is delivering advanced Internet and wireless services to northerners in all 3 territories. In October 2013, Northwestel announced the transfer of its wireless portfolio to Bell Mobility. As part of this transfer, Bell Mobility is delivering on the wireless components of the Northwestel Plan.
Together, Bell and the Yukon government are investing approximately $2.6 million over the next 4 years to support the launch of 13 new wireless sites that will provide 4G service to additional communities across Yukon. Bell is investing more than $1.8 million, while the Yukon government is committing up to $758,000.
"The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring that all residents benefit from fast, affordable and reliable telecommunications services and we are partnering with Bell Mobility to upgrade infrastructure throughout Yukon communities," Economic Development Minister Currie Dixon said. "We're pleased that the economic and social opportunities that come with 4G wireless service can now be enjoyed by residents in Pelly Crossing and Burwash Landing. By 2017, Yukoners in every community will be able to use current smartphone technologies."
Customers can get information about 4G availability and the latest smartphones and other wireless devices at Bell.ca/Mobility, by calling 1-800-667-0123, or by visiting their local Bell dealer.
About Bell and Northwestel
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business customers with wireless, TV, Internet, home phone and business communications services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more information, please visit Bell.ca.
Northwestel Inc. services the largest operating area of any telecommunications company in the western hemisphere over the most remote and rugged terrain in Canada. It provides a complete range of voice, video and data solutions to residential and business customers in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. For more information, please visit Nwtel.ca.
The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, like Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk and Bell Let's Talk Day, and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
SOURCE Bell Canada
Media inquiries: Jacqueline Michelis, Bell Media Relations, (613) 785-1427, jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca; Shay Kokiw, Government of Yukon, (867) 456-6529, shay.kokiw@gov.yk.caCopyright CNW Group 2014