Bell Mobility launches 4G wireless service in Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok as part of Northwestel Modernization Plan

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

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline Michelis
Bell Media Relations
(613) 785-1427
jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca

Eric Clement
Northwestel External Communications Manager
(867) 455-4209
eclement@nwtel.ca

Darrell Beaulieu
Falcon Communications G.P. Ltd.
(867) 920-2764
beaulieu@denendeh.ca