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Nokia to Supply First PCS Handsets for Canada
October 01, 1996
Microcell chooses Nokia as major handset supplier for Canada’s first PCS network
Microcell Solutions Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., announced today that it has signed an agreement valued at over $16 million CDN with Nokia for the purchase of PCS 1900 mobile phones and accessories.
Personal Communications Services (PCS) represent the new generation of wireless communications systems. Based entirely on digital technology, PCS offers many advantages, including voice quality, confidentiality, affordability to users and support for a wide range of cutting edge services.
The Nokia 2190 PCS handsets operate on PCS 1900 technology, the Americas version of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), a worldwide digital standard, currently being deployed by Microcell throughout its national PCS network. The contract calls for commercial shipments beginning in September 1996 and extending through 1997.
Microcell’s PCS system is completely digital, including advanced features not currently available with most cellular telephones, and will deliver wireless services with unequaled transmission security and voice quality. Microcell will provide a variety of enhanced telecommunications services, such as voice/fax/text messaging and information services, throughout Canada.
Microcell will launch its PCS service in the fourth quarter of 1996 in Montreal, followed by four other major Canadian urban centres by mid-1997. At the end of 1998, Microcell’s PCS network will reach some 20 million Canadians.
Ken Bond, director of business development for Nokia in Canada said, "We are extremely pleased to be part of Canadian telecommunication history by participating with Microcell in their national launch of PCS services. Microcell will be the first wireless operator to provide 2 GHz services in Canada, and Nokia will be with them when the first commercial PCS calls are made in this country. With mobile phone sales in over 100 countries, Nokia has been a part of many telecommunication milestones. To be chosen as a major handset supplier by Microcell Solutions is a tremendously exciting opportunity for Nokia in Canada."
"This partnership is key to the successful launch of our service," added Cristiane Bourbonnais, Vice President of Microcell Solutions. “Nokia’s innovative GSM-based PCS1900 handset is a very user-friendly device that has already proven itself for almost a year in the US market."
Microcell is a privately owned company solidly committed to the deployment of PCS in Canada. The company consists of four subsidiaries that operate within a single management company. Within the Microcell group, Microcell Solutions is the national supplier of PCS services under the FidoTM trademark.
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