YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – An additional 25 communities in the NWT will have access to enhanced third generation (3G) mobile Internet services as part of an initiative that also enhances broadband Internet service for 31 communities says Infrastructure Canada, Northwestel and Falcon Communications.
The enhanced 3G HSPA wireless service provides higher data transfer speed and capacity, allowing residents and visitors to use the latest wireless devices, tablets and smartphones. The technology allows customers to fully use the capabilities and features of the most modern and popular wireless devices such as mobile Internet, texting, e-mail, music and video streaming, and cellular calling services.
"Having the capacity to use recent technologies contributes to sustainable growth, supports economic prosperity and improves the quality of life of Canadians," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council. “Our Government is proud to invest in network improvements that will deliver numerous benefits to our Northern communities and empower users.""
"Together with Falcon, we are able to deliver mobile broadband to homes and businesses in more than 25 communities in the NWT," said Paul Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwestel. "Building on our successes to date, we are confident we can deliver on this ground-breaking initiative."
"When we were expanding broadband services across the NWT last year, we knew this would make a real difference in residents' lives, enhancing communications capacity, and creating educational and economic opportunities," said Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of Falcon Communications. "Partnering with Northwestel to deliver 3G Wireless services is building on this success. Falcon and Northwestel have been working to make the NWT a leader in telecommunications and one of the best connected areas in northern Canada, with the same level of services that southern Canadians enjoy."
The initiative includes supporting and enhancing Broadband Internet service for 31 communities in the Northwest Territories and introducing enhanced third generation (3G) mobile Internet services in 25 communities.
In 2012, Norman Wells and Fort Simpson joined the ranks of northern communities served by 3G HSPA. Plans are currently underway to provide the equipment installation and network upgrades to deliver 3G Wireless to other unserved communities. Since 2005, this initiative has provided Broadband access to more than 43,000 residents and 2,100 businesses in the NWT.
The Government of Canada is contributing up to $14.8 million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF). This contribution accounts for one half of total eligible project costs. The CSIF supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing Canadians' quality of life.
Northwestel's contribution to this initiative is expected to exceed $15 million and is part of the company's ongoing commitment to provide advanced services across Canada's north.
Falcon is the General Partner of Broadband Business Alliance Limited Partnership and has acted as the federal government's community champion for the NWT Broadband Project since 2005. The Broadband Business Alliance consists of the Akaitcho Regional Investment Corporation, Dehcho Economic Corporation, Denendeh Investments LP, and the Tetlit Gwich'in Council.
