Answers to your most common questions

We’ve put together some of the questions you might be asking yourself regarding the NOMAD mobile network and provided the answers you’re looking for.

What are the main differences between the NOMAD mobile network and the cellular network?

The NOMAD Mobile Network was developed to cover 98% of the territory of several regions of eastern Quebec and New Brunswick, unlike the cellular network, which covers only a small percentage of the area (but 98% of the population). Using VHF frequencies and telecommunications towers located in rural areas, the NOMAD Mobile Network is optimized to provide maximum coverage in these regions. With its powerful terminals, the NOMAD Mobile Network provides most of the functions and features of basic cell service in areas and regions who are poorly served by the cellular network.

Who is the NOMAD mobile network intended for?

NOMAD Mobile Network was created for many types of users. Individuals who want a stationary device at their cottage or a mobile device in their vehicle to make and receive telephone calls. Companies who want to make phone calls and have conversations with their teams in the field. The network is also designed for utilities and industries, offering features tailored to their needs and portable devices that are both sturdy and versatile.

What technologies are used in the NOMAD mobile network?

The network is based on the DMR Tier III digital radio communication protocol. This open protocol is the most popular in the world, enabling many suppliers to design infrastructure equipment and radios compatible with a single, shared protocol. The DMR standard ensures dynamic, ongoing technological development and long-term investment. The NOMAD Mobile Network uses SIMOCO equipment with dynamic channel allocation (trunking) for both the infrastructure and the radios. Numerous options are available thanks to applications developed by several suppliers using the DMR protocol and IP interface. The DMR standard is constantly evolving, offering new opportunities for innovation year after year.

How will network coverage evolve?

The NOMAD Mobile Network will gradually expand over the anticipated coverage area. Don’t hesitate to contact us by email to let us know your needs, as your input could well affect how coverage evolves. Thanks to an application, the cellular network may also be used as an adjunct to communicate with the radios. Using this system, a cellular user in Toronto, for example, can talk with radio users who are physically present in the covered area of NOMAD Mobile Network. Network coverage may also expand beyond the currently planned area, subsequent to agreements with other partners wishing to offer the same service in other regions of the country.

Am I required to subscribe and pay a monthly fee?

Yes, a subscription is required, however several service bundles and options are available to you. In addition, if your organization has many radios, it is possible to have your own network or to own certain sections of the network. This would limit your monthly fees, but an initial investment would be necessary.

What are the possibilities for data transmission?

DMR technology can transmit data at a relatively low rate of 9.6 kb/s. It can be used to send various types of text messages, perform geolocation, and transmit various commands and other types of short messages. Updates to the technology will soon make it possible to send simple emails, receive weather bulletins or transmit concise information on Twitter. Software applications can also be developed to streamline data sending and receiving by the user.

Can I forward a call from my radio to a cell phone or land line?

Yes, you can activate the follow me feature from the user portal menu, or from the radio keypad by dialing # 72 + XXX-XXX-XXXX and place the call with the green button to activate the function. To deactivate, dial # 73 + XXX-XXX-XXXX and place the call with the green button. A new option is offered at no additional cost. Per minute charges apply.

Daniel Gignac answers the 5 frequently asked questions about the NOMAD Mobile Network for individual customers (Available in French version only).