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