TBayTel buys Fort Frances share of cell phone network

News Release
TBayTel

The Fort Frances Network Services has entered into an agreement to sell their interest in the Norwest Mobility network to the #1 Communications Solutions Provider in Northern Ontario, TBayTel.
The sole shareholder (Town of Fort Frances - represented by Council) passed resolution on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, to pursue the sale of its interest in the business venture after careful review of an external business valuation that was presented by the Fort Frances Network Services Board of Directors.
“The purchase of the network is important as TBayTel delivers on its promise to be the leading regional communications services provider in Northern Ontario.” said Peter Diedrich, President & CEO of TBayTel. “With the consolidation of Norwest Mobility’s services and technology, the evolution of TBayTel’s position in the marketplace will bring increased value to all of our stakeholders in the region - our customers, our employees, and our communities.”
“TBayTel would like to recognize the strong partnership we had with the Fort Frances Network Services over the last 8 years. They have been great to work with and we acknowledge their outstanding dedication to this venture,” he added.
The construction of the Norwest Mobility cellular network, with funding assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, began in 2000 to provide cellular service along the Highway 11 corridor between Thunder Bay and Fort Frances and through to Rainy River. Since its inception it has functioned as an operating partnership between TBayTel, Fort Frances Network Services, and Atikokan Enercom. This purchase significantly solidifies TBayTel’s expanded regional services package across Northern Ontario.
“We are very pleased with the results that this business venture has delivered to the Town of Fort Frances,” stated Roy Avis, Mayor of the Town of Fort Frances.
“Our share of the necessary investment to digitalize the Infrastructure of the service area to keep in step with advancing technologies would be too large of an investment and encumbrance to our tax payers. We feel that this is the opportune time to sell,” added Doug McCaig, Chairman, Fort Frances Network Services.
“The project objectives of the Fort Frances Network Services have been met,” said Joerg Ruppenstein, CEO, Fort Frances Power Corporation. “We are very proud of the cellular network that we built in partnership with TBayTel and Atikokan Enercom that allows residents from Thunder Bay to Rainy River to enjoy the convenience of cellular phone services.”