Latitude Wireless has expanded its cellular service to the Lake Laberge and Carmacks Airport areas of Yukon, with more expansions coming to other areas of the territory in the near future.

New equipment at the Carmacks Airport and a new cellular site at Lake Laberge will allow for increased digital cellular service to these areas.

Similar expansions will take place in three other areas of Yukon. It is anticipated that that new equipment will be installed before the end of this year. New equipment will be installed in the Dawson City and Watson Lake Airports. Another new site will expand coverage to the Ibex Valley.

As each site is activated, information about the expansion will be shared with the public.

“This is an exciting new development for Latitude Wireless customers in these Yukon communities,” said Curtis Shaw, Northwestel Vice President, Consumer and Small Business. “Our customers in rural Yukon have identified areas where they would like see increased service availability. We are pleased to be able to extend the Latitude Wireless network to these new areas. The benefits for our customers include increased convenience and the ability to easily stay in touch with friends and neighbours, as well as access to popular services such as mobile internet.”

The project was made possible with the financial participation of the Yukon government.

"Yukon government is pleased to embark on another project in partnership with Latitude Wireless to enhance cellular service to these communities," said Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang. "This expansion will benefit the public by improving available services and allowing a greater degree of personal safety."

Latitude Wireless is a partnership between Northwestel and the Dakwakada Development Corporation. Launched in 2006, this successful joint venture provides digital cellular service across Yukon.

Latitude Wireless service offers a wide range of features, including text-messaging, email, picture and video messaging, and a mobile Internet browser service that provides access to multiple applications such as music downloads, screensavers, games and ring-tones. The service also offers mobile web and email access for a wide range of handsets, including the popular Blackberry devices. Details about pricing packages, service options, phones and PDAs are available at www.latitudewireless.ca or by calling 1-866-803-2365.

Latitude Wireless customers calling each other within Yukon also enjoy free long-distance calls.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.