Iristel and Ice Wireless double network capacity in Iqaluit

 Year-long upgrade project comes as Iqaluimiut rely even more on digital services to keep in touch with loved ones during this time of social distancing

IQALUIT, NU, March 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Amid global turmoil and uncertainty, Iristel Inc. is pleased to announce positive news from its subsidiary Ice Wireless, which completed a project to more than double its transport network capacity in Iqaluit.

"The infrastructure deficit in Canada's Arctic makes its population vulnerable to unforeseen crisis events like the COVID-19 pandemic," said Samer Bishay, CEO of both Iristel and Ice Wireless. "Telecommunications infrastructure remains a very limited resource in the North, but we are pleased to be able to turn up this capacity at a time when it is most needed."

The year-long upgrade project boosts both quality and speed of  mobile devices and wireless Internet service in and around Iqaluit. It comes at a time when Internet service is playing a vital role in the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iqaluimiut, like all Canadians, are now relying on their mobile and Internet services more and more to keep in touch with loved ones, receive telemedicine advice and counsel, work from home and keep themselves entertained while practicing social distancing.

The new network architecture uses a combination of multiple satellite technologies that include traditional C-band fixed satellite services and combines Ka-band fixed satellite capacity made available through the open access component of Innovation, Science and Industry Canada's Connect to Innovate program.

"We are proud to work in partnership with the federal government to help bridge the Digital Divide for people in Canada's North," Mr. Bishay added.

About Iristel

Iristel is Canada's fastest-growing carrier providing innovative communication services, including cybersecurity, that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada's largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE carrier with operations in Canada's northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and TDE, a company that offers sale, rental and repair services of telecommunication equipment in Eastern Quebec and Northern New Brunswick. Later in 2020, comes the launch of the Iristel Wireless LTE service and 5G readiness in Newfoundland. www.iristel.com

SOURCE Iristel Inc.

[email protected] or 416-800-0010