NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION, MB – MTS says its unique community-funded approach to cell coverage has enabled Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) to become the first remote community in Manitoba to receive cellular services.
The First Nation community was the first to enter into an agreement with MTS to expand cell coverage using a community-funded approach. At the time, there were significant economic and funding challenges that made it difficult for MTS to expand cellular service to Norway House. NHCN covered the upfront costs to install cellular equipment, while MTS covered costs for connecting the community to the MTS cellular network as well as ongoing maintenance and support costs. MTS gradually reimbursed NHCN for their initial community investment as new cellphone subscribers signed up with MTS.
MTS President Kelvin Shepherd joined Chief Ron Evans and NHCN Council at a General Band Meeting to thank the NHCN for partnering with MTS to bring cellular services to their community. Nine years after MTS and NHCN signed a joint investment agreement; MTS has made its final payment under that agreement which fully reimburses NHCN for the funding they put forward to assist in constructing the cell site.
"As a result of this nine-year agreement, Norway House residents and businesses have benefited tremendously from access to cellular services," said Chief Ron Evans. "This partnership has demonstrated that by working together we can achieve positive results for our people and contribute to sustainable economic development for our communities."
"Norway House became the first remote community in Manitoba to receive cellular services because of their leadership and willingness to partner with MTS by making an investment in cellular infrastructure," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd. "Their success shows the community-funded model can be a viable option for bringing cellular service to underserved areas."
Thanks to population growth and economic development, the community has expanded over the past nine years – increasing the number of new cellphone users in the area and allowing the full amount of the community investment to be reimbursed to NHCN. In addition, MTS has also upgraded the technology serving Norway House with 4G HSPA+ technology ensuring the community continues to have access to the latest mobile services and wireless devices.
