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{{Short description|Northern Canadian telecommunications company}}
{{refimprove|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Ice Wireless
| name = Ice Wireless
| logo = [[Image:Icewireless.png|Ice Wireless logo]]
| logo = Ice Wireless logo.png
| type = Privately Owned Corporation
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| key_people = Samer Bishay - [[President (corporate title)|President]] & [[CEO]], [[Cameron Zubko]] - [[Chief Operating Officer]]
| industry = [[Mobile network operator]]
| products = [[4G]]/[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] [[Mobile phone|mobility services]], [[Mobile broadband|mobile broadband Internet]], [[Landline|fixed line telephone]]
| num_employees = 150
| parent = [[Iristel]]
| foundation = September 2005
| foundation = September 2005
| location = [[Markham, Ontario|Markham]], [[Ontario]]
| location = [[Markham, Ontario|Markham]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| areas_served = [[Yukon]], [[Northwest Territories]], [[Nunavut]]
| key_people = Samer Bishay - [[President & CEO]], Cameron Zubko - [[Chief Operating Officer]]
| homepage = {{Official URL}}
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
| products = [[HSPA+]] Mobility Services, [[Mobile Broadband Internet]], [[Fixed Line Telephone]]
| num_employees = 142
| homepage = [http://www.icewireless.ca Ice Wireless]
}}
}}
[[File:Ice Wireless Building 3G HSPA+ base station tower.jpg|thumb|Ice Wireless Building 3G HSPA+ base station]]
[[File:Ice Wireless Building 3G HSPA+ base station tower.jpg|thumb|Ice Wireless Building 3G HSPA+ base station]]
[[File:Ice Wireless Whitehorse Store.jpg|thumb|Ice Wireless Retail Store in Whitehorse, Yukon]]
[[File:Ice Wireless Whitehorse Store.jpg|thumb|Former Ice Wireless Retail Store in Whitehorse, Yukon]]
'''Ice Wireless''' is a Northern Canada-based telecommunications company that provides [[3G]]/[[4G]] [[Mobility Services]], [[Mobile Broadband Internet]], and [[Fixed Line Telephone]] to the [[Yukon]], [[Northwest Territories]] and [[Nunavut]], Canada. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in [[Markham, Ontario|Markham]], [[Ontario]].
'''Ice Wireless''' is a Canadian [[mobile network operator]] and telecommunications company that provides [[4G]]/[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] [[Mobile phone|mobility services]], [[Mobile broadband|mobile broadband Internet]], and [[Landline|fixed line telephone]] in Canada's northern territories: [[Yukon]], the [[Northwest Territories]], [[Nunavut]], and [[Nunavik]], [[Quebec]]. The company's corporate headquarters are located in [[Markham, Ontario|Markham]], [[Ontario]].

Ice Wireless is a roaming partner for [[Rogers Wireless]], [[Fido Solutions|Fido]] and [[Vidéotron Mobile]] in Northern Canada.<ref>[https://www.icewireless.ca/ice-wireless-roaming Ice Wireless Roaming], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.icewireless.ca/ice-wireless-signs-agreement-with-videotron-to-expand-roaming-coverage-to-quebecs-and-canadas-north/], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved December 15, 2014.</ref>


==History==
==History==
Ice Wireless was launched in 2005 to serve rural and remote communities in Northern Canada. The network was first developed in the community of [[Inuvik]], [[Northwest Territories]], a base for oil and gas exploration located approximately 100&nbsp;km from the [[Arctic Ocean]] and 200&nbsp;km north of the [[Arctic Circle]]. The network was the first [[GSM]] system in Northern Canada, originally designed as a “small cell” system that could be scaled down and economically deployed to rural and remote communities. Due the scalability of its technology, Ice Wireless could offer mobility service in locations that could not be economically reached by larger telecommunications companies. Ice Wireless was the first to launch mobility service in [[Inuvik]], [[Aklavik]] and [[Behchoko]] in the [[Northwest Territories]]. As customers increased, Ice Wireless expanded service to include [[Yellowknife]], [[Northwest Territories]].<ref>[https://www.icewireless.ca/about-us/#2 About Us], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref>
Ice Wireless was launched in 2005 to serve rural and remote communities in [[Northern Canada]]. The network was first developed in the community of [[Inuvik]], Northwest Territories, a base for oil and gas exploration located approximately {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} from the [[Arctic Ocean]] and {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} north of the [[Arctic Circle]]. The network was the first [[GSM]] system in Northern Canada, originally designed as a "small cell" system that could be scaled down and economically deployed to rural and remote communities. Due to the scalability of its technology, Ice Wireless could offer mobility service in locations that could not be economically reached by larger telecommunications companies. Ice Wireless was the first to launch mobility service in [[Inuvik]], [[Aklavik]] and [[Behchoko]] (Rae-Edzo) in the Northwest Territories. As customers increased, Ice Wireless expanded service to include [[Yellowknife]], Northwest Territories.<ref>[https://www.icewireless.ca/about-us/#2 About Us], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref>


In 2012, Ice Wireless announced a $12.4 million network upgrade to roll out [[3G]]/[[4G]] [[HSPA+]] across the three Canadian territories.<ref>[http://www.iristel.ca/corporate-overview/ Corporate Overview], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref> As part of this upgrade, Ice Wireless launched a full range of telecommunications services, including [[3G]]/[[4G]] Mobility Services, [[Mobile Broadband Internet]], and [[Fixed Line Telephone]]. Ice Wireless also announced a strategic partnership with [[Iristel]], the largest Competitive Local Exchange Carrier ([[Competitive local exchange carrier|CLEC]]) in Canada and the first CLEC to enter Northern Canada.
In 2012, Ice Wireless announced a $12.4 million network upgrade to roll out 3G/4G [[Evolved High Speed Packet Access]] (HSPA+) across the three Canadian territories.<ref>[http://www.iristel.ca/corporate-overview/ Corporate Overview], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref> As part of this upgrade, Ice Wireless launched a full range of telecommunications services, including 3G/4G mobility services, mobile broadband Internet, and fixed line telephone. Ice Wireless also announced a strategic partnership with Iristel, the largest [[competitive local exchange carrier]] (CLEC) in Canada and the first CLEC to enter Northern Canada.


In 2013, Ice Wireless became the first [[mobile network operator]] to launch [[3G]]/[[4G]] services to [[Iqaluit]], [[Nunavut]]. These services were launched using [[SES S.A.|SES]]’ AMC-9 satellite.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/smartphones-come-to-iqaluit-1.2437262 "CBC News- Smartphones Come to Iqaluit"], www.cbc.ca, November 23, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref>
In 2013, Ice Wireless became the first mobile network operator to launch 3G/4G services to [[Iqaluit]], Nunavut. These services were launched using [[SES Americom|SES]]’ [[AMC-9]] satellite.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/smartphones-come-to-iqaluit-1.2437262 "CBC News- Smartphones Come to Iqaluit"], www.cbc.ca, November 23, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref> In 2017, Ice Wireless became the first mobile operator to launch LTE service to [[Iqaluit]], Nunavut.<ref>[https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/ice-wireless-deploys-parallel-wireless-gear-to-connect-unconnected-canadians, "Fierce Wireless-Ice Wireless deploys Parallel Wireless gear to connect unconnected Canadians"], Fierce Wireless, August 3, 2017.</ref>


The Ice Wireless network now covers 75% of the population of the [[Yukon]] and [[Northwest Territories]] as well as [[Iqaluit, Nunavut]].<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ice-wireless-ramps-up-in-far-north/article12814839 "Globe and Mail - Ice Wireless Ramps Up in Far North"], www.theglobeandmail.com, June 25, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref>
In 2019, Ice Wireless launched 3G LTE service in [[Kuujjuaq]], Quebec and [[Quaqtaq]], Quebec as part of a larger roll-out to all 14 communities of the [[Nunavik]] region of Northern Quebec.<ref>[https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/ice-wireless-launches-3g-service-in-first-nunavik-community/ "Ice Wireless Launches 3G Service in First Nunavik Community"], Nunatsiaq News, March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2020.</ref>

The Ice Wireless network now extends across Canada's North and includes areas in the [[Yukon]], [[Northwest Territories]], [[Nunavut]] and the [[Nunavik]] region of Northern Quebec.<ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ice-wireless-ramps-up-in-far-north/article12814839 "Globe and Mail - Ice Wireless Ramps Up in Far North"], www.theglobeandmail.com, June 25, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.</ref>

==Services==
* 4G/LTE Mobility Services<ref name="icewireless.ca">[https://www.icewireless.ca/en/], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved March 16, 2020.</ref>
* Mobile Broadband Internet<ref name="Ice Wireless Corporate Website 2016">[https://www.icewireless.ca/phones/#6], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.</ref>
* Fixed Line Telephone<ref name="Ice Wireless Corporate Website 2016"/>

==Retail stores==
Ice Wireless operates its own corporate retail stores, and also conducts business through a network of agents that operate in each local market. Ice Wireless provides 24/7 customer care and technical support for its customers, as well as [[9-1-1]] service.<ref name="Ice Wireless Corporate Website 2016"/>
<ref>[https://www.icewireless.ca/911-services/], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.</ref>

==Network==
As a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) Ice Wireless owns and operates communication towers, facilities and [[radio access network]] equipment in all three Canadian territories.<ref name="ReferenceA">[https://www.icewireless.ca/about-us/#3], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.</ref><ref name="icewireless.ca"/>

Ice Wireless provides [[UMTS]] wireless services with HSPA+ for data, using its licenses on the [[800 MHz frequency band|850 MHz]]/1900 MHz [[frequency band]], also known as [[Personal Communications Service]] (PCS).

Ice Wireless is a member of the GSM Association ([[GSMA]]).<ref>[http://www.gsma.com/membership/ice-wireless-inc/], GSMA Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.</ref>

==Coverage==
Ice Wireless offers 4G LTE network coverage in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Northern Quebec.<ref name="icewireless.ca"/><ref>[https://mobilesyrup.com/2019/06/14/huawei-ice-wireless-northwest-territories/], Mobilesyrup. Retrieved March 16, 2020.</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan = "2" | City or Town
! rowspan = "2" | Territory
! colspan = "3" | Service
|-
! 4G/LTE
! Internet
|-
| [[Whitehorse, Yukon|Whitehorse]]
| [[Yukon]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Inuvik]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Tuktoyaktuk]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Norman Wells]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Yellowknife]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Dettah]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Behchoko]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Hay River, Northwest Territories|Hay River]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Fort Smith, Northwest Territories|Fort Smith]]
| [[Northwest Territories]]
| No
| No
|-
| [[Iqaluit]]
| [[Nunavut]]
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| [[Kuujjuaq]]
| [[Quebec]]
| Yes
| No
|-
| [[Quaqtaq]]
| [[Quebec]]
| Yes
| No
|-
|}

==Roaming==
Ice Wireless customers may use smartphones and devices across Canada, the United States and internationally through the company's network of roaming partnerships, including [[Bell Canada|Bell]], [[Rogers Wireless]], [[Telus]], [[Vidéotron Mobile]], and [[AT&T]].<ref>[https://www.icewireless.com/en/blog/ice-wireless-signs-agreement-with-videotron-to-expand-roaming-coverage-to-quebecs-and-canadas-north Ice Wireless Signs Agreement with Videotron to Expand Roaming Coverage to Quebec’s and Canada’s North]. Retrieved June 1, 2017.</ref>

==Smartphones==
As of 2020 Ice Wireless offers the following [[smartphone]]s for use on its network.<ref>[https://www.icewireless.com/en/wireless/devices Devices]. Retrieved March 16, 2020.</ref>

* Apple [[iPhone]] (several models)
* [[Samsung Galaxy]] (several models)

==ICE home phone services==
Ice Wireless offers the ICE home phone service, which provides customers with a home telephone line.<ref>[https://www.icewireless.com/en/home-phone/ Home Phone]. Retrieved June 1, 2017.</ref>

The Ice home phone is a small wireless device and provides telephone service to corded or cordless home telephones. The Ice home phone uses the Ice Wireless cellular network to operate and can be used anywhere in a customer's house or office that there is a wireless signal. The ICE Home Phone needs only be powered; it does not require the use of a home phone [[Telephone plug|wall]] jack like traditional home phone service. The ICE home phone comes with a set of three [[VTech]] cordless phones at time of purchase.

==Mobile Broadband Services==
Ice Wireless offers two [[mobile broadband]] products that provide high speed internet service, wireless and home Internet. The wireless service comes with either an Aircard 763S that allows up to 10 [[Wi-Fi]] devices or a BEC 6300 modem, both with 4G/LTE download speeds. Ice Wireless also offers home Internet plans.<ref>[http://awseb-e-v-awsebloa-2tzhujmlsogy-1901893338.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/en/internet/plans Internet]. Retrieved March 16, 2020.</ref>

==Relationship with Iristel==
In 2012, Ice Wireless established a strategic partnership with Iristel, Canada's largest CLEC and VoIP service provider.<ref>[https://www.icewireless.com/en/about About Ice Wireless]. Retrieved June 1, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ice-wireless-ramps-up-in-far-north/article12814839/], Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 9, 2016.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Iristel]]
* [[Rogers Wireless]]
* [[Fido Solutions|Fido]]
* [[Videotron]]
* [[Telus]]
* [[Bell Canada]]
* [[Bell Canada]]
* [[Northwestel]]
* [[Northwestel]]
* [[List of Canadian mobile phone companies]]
* [[List of Canadian mobile phone companies]]
* [[SES S.A.|SES]]


==References==
==References==
Line 42: Line 148:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website}}
*[http://www.icewireless.ca Ice Wireless]

*[http://www.iristel.ca Iristel]
{{Canadian mobile phone companies}}
{{Canadian mobile phone companies}}


[[Category:Mobile phone companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Mobile phone companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 2005]]
[[Category:Companies based in Markham, Ontario]]
[[Category:Companies based in Markham, Ontario]]

{{canada-company-stub}}
{{wireless-stub}}

Latest revision as of 07:45, 26 April 2024

Ice Wireless
Company typePrivate
IndustryMobile network operator
FoundedSeptember 2005
HeadquartersMarkham, Ontario, Canada
Areas served
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
Key people
Samer Bishay - President & CEO, Cameron Zubko - Chief Operating Officer
Products4G/LTE mobility services, mobile broadband Internet, fixed line telephone
Number of employees
150
ParentIristel
Websitewww.icewireless.ca Edit this at Wikidata
Ice Wireless Building 3G HSPA+ base station
Former Ice Wireless Retail Store in Whitehorse, Yukon

Ice Wireless is a Canadian mobile network operator and telecommunications company that provides 4G/LTE mobility services, mobile broadband Internet, and fixed line telephone in Canada's northern territories: Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Nunavik, Quebec. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Markham, Ontario.

History

[edit]

Ice Wireless was launched in 2005 to serve rural and remote communities in Northern Canada. The network was first developed in the community of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, a base for oil and gas exploration located approximately 100 km (62 mi) from the Arctic Ocean and 200 km (120 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. The network was the first GSM system in Northern Canada, originally designed as a "small cell" system that could be scaled down and economically deployed to rural and remote communities. Due to the scalability of its technology, Ice Wireless could offer mobility service in locations that could not be economically reached by larger telecommunications companies. Ice Wireless was the first to launch mobility service in Inuvik, Aklavik and Behchoko (Rae-Edzo) in the Northwest Territories. As customers increased, Ice Wireless expanded service to include Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.[1]

In 2012, Ice Wireless announced a $12.4 million network upgrade to roll out 3G/4G Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) across the three Canadian territories.[2] As part of this upgrade, Ice Wireless launched a full range of telecommunications services, including 3G/4G mobility services, mobile broadband Internet, and fixed line telephone. Ice Wireless also announced a strategic partnership with Iristel, the largest competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) in Canada and the first CLEC to enter Northern Canada.

In 2013, Ice Wireless became the first mobile network operator to launch 3G/4G services to Iqaluit, Nunavut. These services were launched using SESAMC-9 satellite.[3] In 2017, Ice Wireless became the first mobile operator to launch LTE service to Iqaluit, Nunavut.[4]

In 2019, Ice Wireless launched 3G LTE service in Kuujjuaq, Quebec and Quaqtaq, Quebec as part of a larger roll-out to all 14 communities of the Nunavik region of Northern Quebec.[5]

The Ice Wireless network now extends across Canada's North and includes areas in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Nunavik region of Northern Quebec.[6]

Services

[edit]
  • 4G/LTE Mobility Services[7]
  • Mobile Broadband Internet[8]
  • Fixed Line Telephone[8]

Retail stores

[edit]

Ice Wireless operates its own corporate retail stores, and also conducts business through a network of agents that operate in each local market. Ice Wireless provides 24/7 customer care and technical support for its customers, as well as 9-1-1 service.[8] [9]

Network

[edit]

As a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) Ice Wireless owns and operates communication towers, facilities and radio access network equipment in all three Canadian territories.[10][7]

Ice Wireless provides UMTS wireless services with HSPA+ for data, using its licenses on the 850 MHz/1900 MHz frequency band, also known as Personal Communications Service (PCS).

Ice Wireless is a member of the GSM Association (GSMA).[11]

Coverage

[edit]

Ice Wireless offers 4G LTE network coverage in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Northern Quebec.[7][12]

City or Town Territory Service
4G/LTE Internet
Whitehorse Yukon Yes Yes
Inuvik Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Tuktoyaktuk Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Norman Wells Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Yellowknife Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Dettah Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Behchoko Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Hay River Northwest Territories Yes Yes
Fort Smith Northwest Territories No No
Iqaluit Nunavut Yes Yes
Kuujjuaq Quebec Yes No
Quaqtaq Quebec Yes No

Roaming

[edit]

Ice Wireless customers may use smartphones and devices across Canada, the United States and internationally through the company's network of roaming partnerships, including Bell, Rogers Wireless, Telus, Vidéotron Mobile, and AT&T.[13]

Smartphones

[edit]

As of 2020 Ice Wireless offers the following smartphones for use on its network.[14]

ICE home phone services

[edit]

Ice Wireless offers the ICE home phone service, which provides customers with a home telephone line.[15]

The Ice home phone is a small wireless device and provides telephone service to corded or cordless home telephones. The Ice home phone uses the Ice Wireless cellular network to operate and can be used anywhere in a customer's house or office that there is a wireless signal. The ICE Home Phone needs only be powered; it does not require the use of a home phone wall jack like traditional home phone service. The ICE home phone comes with a set of three VTech cordless phones at time of purchase.

Mobile Broadband Services

[edit]

Ice Wireless offers two mobile broadband products that provide high speed internet service, wireless and home Internet. The wireless service comes with either an Aircard 763S that allows up to 10 Wi-Fi devices or a BEC 6300 modem, both with 4G/LTE download speeds. Ice Wireless also offers home Internet plans.[16]

Relationship with Iristel

[edit]

In 2012, Ice Wireless established a strategic partnership with Iristel, Canada's largest CLEC and VoIP service provider.[17][18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ About Us, Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  2. ^ Corporate Overview, Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  3. ^ "CBC News- Smartphones Come to Iqaluit", www.cbc.ca, November 23, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  4. ^ "Fierce Wireless-Ice Wireless deploys Parallel Wireless gear to connect unconnected Canadians", Fierce Wireless, August 3, 2017.
  5. ^ "Ice Wireless Launches 3G Service in First Nunavik Community", Nunatsiaq News, March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  6. ^ "Globe and Mail - Ice Wireless Ramps Up in Far North", www.theglobeandmail.com, June 25, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c [1], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c [2], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  9. ^ [3], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  10. ^ [4], Ice Wireless Corporate Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  11. ^ [5], GSMA Website. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  12. ^ [6], Mobilesyrup. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  13. ^ Ice Wireless Signs Agreement with Videotron to Expand Roaming Coverage to Quebec’s and Canada’s North. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  14. ^ Devices. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  15. ^ Home Phone. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  16. ^ Internet. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  17. ^ About Ice Wireless. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  18. ^ [7], Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
[edit]