WHITEHORSE – Northwestel has submitted to the CRTC its plan to invest $233 million in its telecommunications network that will provide 99% of northerners with access to next-generation wireless and wireless broadband services within the next five years. Northwestel says its communications expansion plans are the most ambitious ever undertaken in Northern Canada and submitted its plan to the Commission on January 16, 2012.
"We have developed a modernization plan that delivers for our communities," said Paul Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer at Northwestel. "In addition to supplying more northern communities with enhanced services, the plan puts in place measures to facilitate competition and builds on partnerships with other parties. The Northwestel plan outlines how we will bring next generation wireless and broadband services to the North and essentially reduce distances with technology. This plan puts northerners first and provides our customers with access to modern and innovative services."
Northwestel's $233 million investment will be allocated to support core infrastructure and to upgrade and expand new services by:
• Bringing 3G wireless broadband service to an additional 67 northern communities, enabling 99% of northerners to access the latest handsets, smartphones and tablets.
• Upgrading existing wireline Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable infrastructure to at least double Internet speeds in 58 communities across Northern Canada within five years.
• Delivering enhanced calling features, including call display, to all 96 communities in Northwestel's operating area.
• Enabling 84% of the northern population to keep their phone numbers if they choose to switch to another service provider.
"The team at Northwestel is excited by the opportunity to implement this modernization plan and provide the communities we serve and our customers with an unprecedented level of service," said Flaherty. "We are working continuously to put our customers first at Northwestel and are committed to providing these new services over the next few years. We are working to ensure the customer is the winner as a result of this modernization plan."
