YELLOWKNIFE, Dec. 8, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Mobility announced today
the launch of 4G wireless service in the Northwest Territories
communities of Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok.
Residents in these communities will now be able to call, text, browse,
and watch video using the latest wireless devices, handsets, tablets
and smartphones on the Bell network.
"The Bell Mobility team is pleased to provide our customers in Gameti,
Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok with the latest wireless
technology as we continue the rollout of 4G 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 best mobile products the world has to offer
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 innovative upgrade was completed in partnership with Falcon
Communications and is part of Northwestel's Modernization Plan. The
Plan has delivered advanced Internet and wireless services to
northerners since its introduction in 2013. In October 2013,
Northwestel announced the transfer of its wireless portfolio to Bell
Mobility. As part of this transfer, Bell Mobility agreed to meet
wireless commitments highlighted in the Plan.
"We are very pleased that Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok
customers are gaining access to Bell Mobility's world-leading products
and services," said Paul Flaherty, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Northwestel. "Increased access to advanced wireless services
delivers tremendous benefits to customers and is an important part of
our overall focus on modernizing communications services and
infrastructure across the North."
The federal government is contributing a total of approximately $700,000
to the 4G projects in Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok
through Falcon Communications. This contribution accounts for
approximately one half of total eligible project costs. These projects
represent a small portion of the projects being funded through the
Government of Canada for enhanced broadband Internet service in the
Northwest Territories. Overall, the federal government is contributing
up to $14.8 million towards similar broadband enhancements across the
territories through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, which
supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas
vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing Canadians' quality of
life.
Unlike more conventional 4G wireless upgrades, the innovative service
being rolled out in Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok
relies on satellite technology to connect wireless signals due to the
more remote nature of the communities.
"This new and innovative technology brings advanced mobile services into
some of the most remote regions in the Northwest Territories," said
Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of Falcon Communications. "We're
happy to see the opportunities for residents and businesses grow as we
continue to expand 4G services to communities across the NWT."
Customers can find information about 4G availability and the latest
handsets and wireless devices online at www.bell.ca/mobility, by calling 1-800-667-0123, or by visiting their local Northern Store.
As a result of recent investments, non-satellite 4G wireless service is
already provided by Bell Mobility in the NWT communities of Aklavik,
Behchoko, Enterprise, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort
Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River,
Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Kakisa, Norman Wells, Tsiigehtchic,
Tuktoyaktuk, Tulita, Whati, Wrigley, and Yellowknife.
About Bell
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.
The Bell Let's Talk 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.
About Falcon Communications
Falcon is the General Partner of Broadband Business Alliance Limited
Partnership. Project Funding is provided in part by Infrastructure
Canada's Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The Broadband Business
Alliance consists of the Akaitcho Regional Investment Corporation,
Dehcho Economic Corporation, Denendeh Investments LP, and the Tetlit
Gwich'in Council.
About Northwestel
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.
SOURCE Bell Canada
