March 12, 2004

CUMBERLAND, ON -- A new choice for high speed Internet access emerged today in Ontario, as the new venture recently created by Allstream Inc., Inukshuk Internet Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., and NR Communications, LLC, launched a Multipoint Communications Systems (MCS) network in Cumberland, a rural community some 30 kilometres east of downtown Ottawa.

The three companies joined forces last November with the aim of using advanced wireless technology to offer integrated high-speed Internet, IP-based voice and local networking services to selected markets across Canada. Since that time, the MCS networks were launched in Yellowknife, NWT, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, along with partners SSI Micro and Nunanet Worldwide Communications, and on March 4, 2004, broadband wireless service was launched by the new venture’s partners in Richmond, British Columbia.

On March 10, 2004, the venture announced that AOL Canada will trial the venture’s new wireless high speed access technology in Toronto. The venture will finalize its plans by mid-2004 to deploy the offering nationally.

"I speak for all the partners involved when I say we are delighted to be announcing our commercial deployment in Cumberland today, building on the momentum of our recent service launch in Richmond," said André Tremblay, President and CEO of Microcell Telecommunications and Inukshuk Internet. “For Inukshuk, this represents another step towards realizing our vision of connecting Canadians through innovative broadband technologies, as well as the opportunity to extend the scope of our already rich and compelling Fido service offering.

Story at Unstrung