Bell taking Northwestel contracts
Mobile customers will begin receiving service from parent company on May 8
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, May 5, 2014
NUNAVUT
Northwestel cellphone customers can expect a seamless transition on May 8 when the company hands over its contracts to Bell Mobility, company officials said.
Mobile users who have contracts with Northwestel will have their accounts transferred to Bell Mobility on May 8. Both companies expect the switch to be seamless. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo |
Users will keep the same cellphone numbers they've always had and their rate plans won't change, according to the companies.
"Customers will have the same service and do not have to do anything," stated Bell spokesperson Jacqueline Michelis in an e-mail to Nunavut News/North.
Northwestel is transferring its wireless business to its parent company, Bell Canada, so it can focus on expanding and improving its wire-line services, such as Internet and television.
Both companies have committed to implementing a $233-million modernization plan to improve telecommunication services in Northern Canada.
The proposal was submitted by Northwestel in 2012 after the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission called on the company to improve its aging infrastructure and offer more competitive rates to customers.
The CRTC approved the proposal in December.
Under the plan, Bell is bringing 4G cellular service to communities across Nunavut.
Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet customers were connected to the 4G network in March.
Plans are underway to bring the service to Iqaluit soon.
"We're now testing and optimizing the network in Iqaluit," stated Michelis. "Customers will begin to see 4G coverage as we turn up the network."
Northwestel mobile customers will receive their first bill from Bell once the transfer of contracts is complete. They will be provided with instructions and payment options in the same package.
Customers with prepaid handsets will also begin receiving service from Bell's network. The company has promised to honour Northwestel cards that have been purchased but not yet activated.
However, consumers will be able to pick up Bell cards at retail locations. Prepaid customers can also look forward to free long distance calls to anywhere in Canada.
"I can confidently say you're in good hands," Northwestel president and CEO Paul Flaherty wrote to customers. "You will have access to the latest in mobile products and services including Canada's most reliable national voice network."
