Latitude Wireless has once again expanded its cellular service, now making the company’s wireless offerings available to the Ibex Valley area of Yukon.

In the fall of 2009, Latitude Wireless increased its coverage area in Yukon by adding new equipment at Lake Laberge and the Carmacks Airport.

Latitude Wireless is planning additional network expansions in the territory in the near future, with cellular service soon to be extended to the Watson Lake and Dawson City airport areas.

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

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.

"The Dakwakada Development Corporation is pleased to see the continued expansion of the Latitude Wireless network”, said Dakwakada Development Corporation Director Brian MacDonald.  “We are proud to be part of a company offering leading edge cellular technology to Yukoners."

“Our Latitude Wireless customers have been asking for increased service availability in rural Yukon and we are very pleased to be able to expand our network coverage to meet this demand” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “We hope our customers will enjoy the increased convenience of a larger cellular service area. People living in, or passing through, the Ibex Valley area will now be able to easily stay in touch with friends, family and the workplace.” 

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 in Yukon," 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 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.