After reviewing the current network rollout and associated problems the following will be the position of DMTS as it relates to network operations.
In the Dryden Area
DMTS is experiencing network operational issues in Dryden. Our large customer base in the area and the larger than anticipated number of visiting cellular phones from our roaming partners attempting to access the network has caused some congestion. In order to address this situation DMTS is taking the following immediate action.
A new site is being built in the North Dryden area and will be operational the week of May 3rd. Another new site in south Dryden is also being built and will be operational the week of May 10th. This will lead to noticeable improvement in service in the Dryden area.
Work continues on our new Dinorwic site and it is expected to be completed the week of May 10th. Work on our Eagle Lake FN tower has commenced and the physical tower construction should be completed the week of May 24th and cellular equipment will be placed after that.
Improvements in the Region
Network optimization is scheduled to be complete in the Fort Frances area the week of May 17th, the Red Lake area the week of May 31st and the Sioux Lookout area the week of June 7th.
Completion of equipment installation at the Sioux Narrows tower and the Atikokan (town) tower is scheduled for the end of May.
Completed cellsites located on the highway corridors between municipalities are functioning as designed. Work on the remaining 4 Highway 11 sites between Atikokan and Shabaqua is not expected to be completed until sometime in July and we are re-assessing our options for additional cell sites to cover between Dinorwic and Ignace.
In the interim The Company has disabled site handoff in congested areas as this process needs to be refined during the optimization process. Threats to this schedule are primary related to weather as inclement weather delays tower related work.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.