Inukshuk Wireless Inc. has completed the initial phase of its new wireless broadband network, with service available in 20 centres across Canada. Built in conjunction with Bell Canada and Rogers Communications, the Inukshuk network is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The IP wireless network based on pre-WiMAX standards enables portable megabit services, allowing subscribers to access the Internet and other applications such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP), video streaming and a variety of data applications. The total investment of the partnership between Bell and Rogers is expected to reach $200-million by 2008 covering over 100 urban and rural areas.
The initial phase of the network covers over 5-million households and 40 per cent of the population and is now available in 20 areas across Canada including Greater Vancouver Area, Victoria, Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Greater Toronto Area, Barrie, London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Ottawa, Gatineau-Hull, Quebec City, Greater Montreal Area, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton, and St. John's.
While Rogers and Bell are co-operating in building the network, they will continue to compete with products and services.
Rogers' product, called Portable Internet, is a plug-and-play system that can be self-installed and includes five e-mail accounts as well as the same suite of services currently offered to Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet customers, such as parental controls, security features, spam control, on-line music and many others.
Sympatico's product, called Sympatico High Speed Unplugged, and offers two distinct speeds and pricing options of 512 kbps for $45 per month and 3 mbps for $60 per month. In addition the service requires a portable modem, available for $99 with a 24-month contract.
