The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Rogers Wireless is laying the groundwork for expansion into the Flin Flon area cellular market. City council recently gave Canada's largest mobile phone operator the green light to build a telecommunications tower that would service Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach. Though no timeline is in place, Rogers spokesman Jeff Follett said the company typically looks ahead two years when acquiring properties for this purpose. "It's one of those things where we see future needs for that service," said Follett. The proposed telecommunications tower and related equipment would provide a new option for residents on line with wireless technology. This includes cell phones, portable e-mail devices such as the BlackBerry, and emerging technology that has yet to hit its peak. Rogers received the green light at both the municipal and provincial level to erect a telecommunications tower at the south end of Grandview St. off of South Hudson Street. Follett said the company has another potential location in mind and hasn't decided which one would best serve its needs. The spokesman said Rogers' rural towers typically service a radius of about 30 kilometres, enough to cover Denare Beach and much of the outlying cottage areas. Flin Flon City Coun. Cal Huntley called the wireless provider's plans a positive sign. "I think it's very good," he said. "Interest in our community and more choices for communities are always a good thing." A spokesperson for MTS, which already offers wireless services in the area, said it will be up to customers to decide which company deserves their business. "You know, at the end of the day, it's great for the consumer that they be able to choose which service provider they want to go with," said Michelle Bailey-Picard. "But we have every confidence that MTS will be able to compete because we think that we have a superior service, we have great pricing, flexibility and choice." She added that MTS is always looking at ways to enhance its services and "Flin Flon is one area we would look to optimize." Rogers plans to enter the telecommunications market in all three major Northern Manitoba communities Ð Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson Ð as part of its growth strategy. "Our services are becoming more and more popular among those in a rural environment, and it's becoming similar to what we're experiencing in the urban environment," said Follett.
