The Latitude Wireless cellular service area has expanded and now includes the Watson Lake airport area in Yukon.

This is one of the many service expansion projects Latitude Wireless is completing. In the last eight months it has added equipment and expanded service in the Lake Laberge, Carmacks airport and Ibex Valley areas.

Latitude Wireless plans to continue this expansion work to include the Dawson City airport area in the near future.

Customers can receive information about products, services and special offers at The Source, the Latitude Wireless dealer in Watson Lake. Existing customers can take advantage of the “Refer-a-Friend” program which offers a $50 account credit for referring a new customer.

On April 22 and 23, Latitude Wireless representatives will be on site at The Source in Watson Lake with special offers for new subscribers, new product demonstrations and information about new plans. Representatives will also be available to answer any questions customers might have.

“Expanding the cellular services we offer throughout Yukon will better meet the needs of our customers. We are pleased to be able to offer this additional coverage and will continue to complete expansion projects,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am pleased that, with the completion of this expansion, cell phone users now have access to service in a larger part of the Watson Lake area.”

Latitude Wireless is a partnership between Northwestel and the Dakwakada Development Corporation, the business investment arm of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Launched in 2006, this successful joint venture provides digital cellular service across Yukon.

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

"Yukon government, in partnership with Latitude Wireless, is pleased that further expansion to Yukon's cell phone service now includes additional coverage in Watson Lake," said Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang. "Enhancing cell phone service to include the communities improves the quality of life for all Yukoners by supporting day to day networking and business prospects and improving the level of personal safety and convenience for area residents and the travelling public."

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.