INUVIK
The Inuvik airport will have reliable wireless coverage by the end of the year.

Bell and Northwestel are installing new cell boosters so that the Inuvik airport will have reliable wireless coverage. The work is expected to be done by the end of this year. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"Bell Mobility is currently working with Northwestel to build a new cell tower that will expand HSPA and LTE wireless service to the airport, as well as some nearby industrial properties," stated Bell media relations worker Jacqueline Michelis in an e-mail to the Inuvik Drum.

"We expect to complete the work by the end of the year."

Currently, cell phone coverage at the airport is spotty. That's been a thorn in the side of residents and business people in town alike, which is why the Inuvik Chamber of Commerce lobbied the telecom giant to upgrade its services.

"What we noticed was there was a huge inconvenience for the business community and indeed the residents with the poor signal at the airport," said Bright Lubansa, president of the chamber.

"Sometimes, as business people (when) you go out to the airport, you might want to do some last minute business, whether it's sending that e-mail or taking a call, something before your flight. Then sometimes your flight is delayed and you're stuck at the airport for however many hours."

Last year, the chamber lobbied Northwestel and Bell to make the upgrade.

"They responded favourably, because they did see there was a need for a proper cell phone signal at the airport," said Lubansa.

The work is expected to begin in March.

Bell would not reveal how much it was spending on the upgrade nor answer any follow-up questions.

"I'm very sure it's going to cost some money, but they also realize the importance of having proper service," said Lubansa.

"We're excited. We're looking forward for them to do that upgrade because it's a fantastic development for the community."

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