Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The recent rollout of cellular service to communities that didn’t have such services was exciting. I understand that both governments supplemented the overall cost of establishing the network and also cellular power in some communities.

Now people in those communities that have cell service can enjoy keeping connected through their mobile phones and also keeping up with Internet technology. Some people now cannot live without their mobile phones.

Mobile communications enables greater communications and access to the Internet and is very convenient. Having this kind of technology bodes well for attracting tourists and also gives those visiting the NWT an enjoyable experience.

Advances in cellular expansion to small and remote communities are a step forward. Such services mean a more confident travelling public and also, at the same time, it makes communications more possible.

We’re stepping closer to the reality of having 911 services across the NWT. There are limitations, however. Because of limited subscribers in some communities, there is limited coverage. As an example, the radius of coverage in Fort Providence is limited in some areas. That was discovered recently when a few people who were stranded were unable to communicate home. What happened was that the search and rescue was dispatched, and the people made it home safely. But if we had expanded cellular service, then it would have been possible to communicate to the home base and encourage people that, yes, we’re okay.

The corporate view is that because we have limited subscribers, we will have limited coverage in communities. I think those corporations that provide cellular services have to have more than a corporate view; they need to have a community perspective and a sense of community in providing those services. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.