UPDATE:
CityWest director of sales and marketing Donovan Dias said those who switch to Telus when the Telus store opens on Dec. 18 will have to get a new number.
"Hopefully by February or March we will look at number portability ... if customers come in next week when Telus comes in, they will need to get a new number and won't be able to keep their current CityWest cell phone number," he explained, adding the time line for CityWest to cease offering service is unclear.
"Our goal is to try and migrate all of our customers to Telus by the second quarter of 2014 ... we are the cellular provider on the CDMA network, but I am not sure how long that network will remain active or when it may be turned down."
Dias said discussions with Telus have been ongoing for approximately four to six months. While financial terms of the partnership cannot be discussed due to a confidentiality agreement, but the partnership is "mutually beneficial".
ORIGINAL:
CityWest today announced it is transitioning out of the cellular business over the coming year and has partnered with TELUS to bring CityWest customers advanced wireless services and technology in Prince Rupert.
This new partnership enables CityWest customers to seamlessly switch their account to TELUS and take advantage of its comprehensive 4G wireless network, allowing CityWest to focus investments on their other product lines. CityWest wireless customers who switch to TELUS will not pay any cancellation fees and can trade-in their current device for credit towards any new TELUS smartphone such as the recently-launched Motorola G, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and S4 mini.
"Partnering with TELUS gives our wireless customers access to the best available technology today and to enhanced technology as it evolves in the future," said Don Holkestad, CityWest Chief Executive Officer.
"Our customers have been waiting for access to the latest, most popular smartphones and TELUS will give our customers the opportunity to purchase the hottest new devices. This partnership achieves the best outcome for our customers and the future of CityWest."
TELUS already has an extensive wireless network in Prince Rupert, covering most of the city. This new partnership gives TELUS the platform to continue investing in the area, including bringing customers new technology such as 4G LTE, likely next year. TELUS is also committed to expanding wireless coverage along the Hwy 16 corridor in the coming years, and has connected more than 40 kilometers of the highway to crucial wireless services over the last few months.
"Growing up in Northern B.C., I know how important wireless services are to residents and businesses in Prince Rupert. Bringing customers the most reliable 4G network and access to the most advanced devices provides residents in Prince Rupert the same technology as in larger centers, like Vancouver," said Brent Johnston, TELUS vice-president, mobility solutions.
"Along with our advanced technology, TELUS is excited to bring our industry-leading customer service to all of our new customers in Prince Rupert."
CityWest customers are invited to visit the new TELUS store beginning Wednesday, December 18