Télébec – NorthernTel invests $1,000, 000

December 3, 2004 - During a press conference held today, Mr. Roch Dubé, President and Chief Executive Officer of NorthernTel – Télébec, announced an investment of $1,000,000 in the Télébec Mobilité Underground Communications Laboratory through the Fondation de l’Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). This sum is in addition to the $600,000 announced in 2001 and prolongs by three years the agreement between the company and the University/Foundation.

This funding will support research and development in solutions and applications using wireless communication for voice, data and image transmission, as well as for control and identification in underground mines.

“The constant change and emergence of wireless telecommunications technologies makes adequate investment in research and development crucial. Our partnership with UQAT will ensure that wireless telecommunications are adapted to the specifications and the strengths of our local mining industry. Our region will continue to distinguish itself thanks to the expertise we are now developing. The project will also contribute to regional development, which is an integral part of our mission,” affirmed Mr. Dubé.

During the press conference, Ms. Johanne Jean, Rector of UQAT, added, “the amount contributed will help UQAT implement research infrastructure to support the sustainable development of our regions.” Ms. Jean concluded by praising the dynamism of the young laboratory and its many accomplishments, including graduating two doctoral and seven master’s students and filing a patent application for a geo-referencing system. The laboratory also plans to develop both a master’s program in Wireless Telecommunications and a research chair in Underground Communications with UQAT’s Unité d’enseignement et de recherche (UER) en sciences appliquées.

Photos of the cheque presentation are available at: http://web2.uqat.ca/photopresse.

Information:
NorthernTel:
Norma Hughes Howard
Manager – Communications and Public Affairs
1 800 360-8555, extension 3443 or (705) 647-3443

Télébec:
Paul Lacoursière
Manager – Communications and Public Affairs
1 888 737-6673, ext. 6073 or (819) 233-6073