DAVE contracts Ericsson to build network for 3G launch in early 2010

Canadian start-up mobile operator Data & Audio Visual Enterprises Wireless (DAVE Wireless) says it will launch commercial 3G services in early 2010, following the award of a network rollout contract to Sweden’s Ericsson, reports The Canadian Press. The five-year deal covers the building of infrastructure in the five most populous markets in DAVE’s licence footprint, namely Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. The Toronto-based newcomer says it plans to hit the market with flexible, easy-to-understand monthly plans for voice and text services. Other new licensees in the country including Globalive Wireless and Public Mobile have promised flat-rate voice and SMS pricing. Reportedly, DAVE will undergo a name change this autumn. One TeleGeography analyst offered the suggestion of ‘NIGEL’, whilst another favoured ‘CLIVE’.