A new area code – “428” is coming to New Brunswick (NB) on November 21, 2020. The new area code will be added to the code for the region: 506.  Existing customers’ phone numbers will not be impacted. After November 21, 2020, area code “428” will start to be assigned by providers.

A new area code – “753” is coming to Eastern Ontario on March 26, 2022. The new area code will be added to the codes for the region: 613/343. Existing customers’ phone numbers will not be impacted. After March 26, 2022, area code 753 will start to be assigned by providers. About Iristel Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and Télécommunications de l’Est (TDE), a company that operates a Nomad mobile network, a unique two-way radio digital trunking network built to meet the specific needs of Canada’s rural regions. For more information: www.iristel.com pr@iristel.com or call 416-800-0010

Iristel is committed to maintaining the integrity and security of our network and in full transparency, wanted to make customers aware of the issue at hand that was impacting our network. On Monday, November 15th at approximately 11:00 (EST), Iristel had a cyber-attack attempt (known technically as DDoS) on a network element, specifically a port on an element. The port establishes connection to and from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This caused a packet loss (electronic method of transporting conversations over the internet) to our Core Network that hindered the ability to establish a voice call. Our senior engineers, along with our partners were fully engaged and dedicated on resolving the issue at hand to restore service, which has now stabilized and is functioning without disruption, per our current data, after implementing the permanent fix. On behalf of the entire Iristel Team, we sincerely apologize over this disruption of service as we are keenly aware of the frustration it has caused to your business. We are very proud in the trust that you have in our company to deliver your services and we continue to monitor the entire network. More information and updates can be found at https://status.iristel.com/ About Iristel Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and Télécommunications de l’Est (TDE), a company that operates a Nomad mobile network, a unique two-way radio digital trunking network built to meet the specific needs of Canada’s rural regions. For more information: www.iristel.com pr@iristel.com or call 416-800-0010

To Our Valued Customers and Partners, On Monday, November 15th, as you already know, Iristel became the latest in Canada’s VoIP community to come under cyber attack. It was a network-level large scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that attempted to make our services unavailable by overwhelming the network with traffic from multiple sources. The Russian-based “REvil” group – short for “Ransomware-Evil” – claimed responsibility and demanded a ransom payment. REvil is known as one of the world's most prolific ransomware gangs and has staged several attacks this year against major companies and organizations around the world. I am pleased to report Iristel beat back the attack and our network was fully restored to optimum levels in record time, fewer than 48 hours, and no ransom was paid. Although Iristel is not the household telecom brand, we touch countless businesses and consumer lives with every minute we carry voice and data across the largest VoIP network in Canada. As such, you felt the impact of this paralyzing event. We work for you, and we take pride in connecting people, that is why we countered this with full force. It’s only during these times – a crisis – that one truly realizes and fully appreciates the positive impact of our services, our customers, and our team. You, our partner, have chosen us to support your customers. We strive to create a partnership built on quality, survivability, and trust. We take great pride in the integrity and security of our network. I have spoken to many of you during this time. I heard you loud and clear. The vulnerability feeling caused by these attacks is very unsettling, but I refuse to be a victim. That is why we will tirelessly monitor and make our ecosystem even smarter, driven both by machine learning and human engineering excellence to prevent such attacks. I want to thank those carrier partners who have offered their support during these difficult times. We know this is not over for the VoIP industry as a whole. The DDoS threat will rear its ugly head again. Now we need to be an active part of the solution. We have already contacted cyber law enforcement agencies and will also share our experience with our carrier community as we feel being good stewards will help defeat these criminals and secure our communications’ future. I have seen firsthand our team step up, work around the clock, and face this crisis head on with leading edge and outside-the-box solutions to restore services. I was reminded once again of Iristel’s immense strength and higher vocation to keep everyone connected no matter where they are. I truly appreciate all of you who trust us to deliver your services. We will remain vigilant and defend our network. Sincerely, Samer Bishay CEO & Founder - Iristel About Iristel Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and Télécommunications de l’Est (TDE), a company that operates a Nomad mobile network, a unique two-way radio digital trunking network built to meet the specific needs of Canada’s rural regions. For more information: www.iristel.com pr@iristel.com or call 416-800-0010

Healing Wings with support of Ice Wireless & Huawei provide Internet-connected Mobile Devices to Emergency Shelters in Canada’s North IQALUIT, NU, June 8, 2021 – In an effort to continue providing support and connectivity to those most at risk during this pandemic, the Healing Wings Foundation, is delighted to make a donation of Huawei tablets and laptops powered by free and unlimited internet access from Ice Wireless to clients at four emergency shelters. The 25 tablets and laptops will be divided up for communal use at Kaushee’s Place, a women’s transition home in Whitehorse; Side Door, an emergency shelter in Yellowknife; YWCA Agvik Nunavut Society in Iqaluit; and Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre in Kuujjuaq in Northern Quebec. “Many residents in these communities do not have access to the technology that many of us take for granted,” says Healing Wings President Mireille Dahab. “Equipment such as computers, mobile devices and tablets are needed to help facilitate connections with family and friends, and enable access to important information for housing, job search, research and education.” The Healing Wings Foundation has focused heavily on the so-called “digital divide” between Canada’s North and South. This very real disparity translates into fewer employment opportunities as well as challenges to learning especially during this pandemic. On top of that, a lack of connectivity and access to technology can also have more dire ramifications. “Often women do not have access to a phone, or it is shared with their abusers,” says Healing Wings Vice-President Samer Bishay, who is also President and CEO of Ice Wireless. “Communications is important for their safety and security, as well as their ability to search for long-term accommodation, social services and support for their children.” Dr. Ashraf Salib, also a Healing Wings Vice-President, points out that technology is vital for the youth at these shelters; who are either there on their own or with mothers. “Laptops and tablets enable homework and research for these at-risk youths who are supposed to keep up with studies during such troubling times,” Dr. Salib says. “And with schools open only half days or not at all, the laptops and tablets help reduce the sense of isolation and helplessness.” All the Huawei devices have will soon be delivered to the four shelters in Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Kuujjuaq in Northern Quebec where they will be connected to Ice Wireless internet service. “Healing Wings, Ice Wireless and Huawei believe in the power of connectivity. We also believe that every Canadian deserves access to a fast, reliable network, no matter which part or where in Canada they call home,” says Huawei Canada President Haiwen (Tom) Wang. “We are proud to help our partners connect those living in rural and remote communities, bringing people together from coast to coast to coast.” Healing Wings Foundation Background: Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, the Healing Wings Foundation has four main goals: provide connectivity and access to infrastructure to those living in remote arctic communities; provide subsidized accommodation for Armed Forces, Police Officers, Fire Fighters and Veterans and/or their families as they receive medical treatment within the Greater Toronto Area; provide a variety of subsidized or donated social services to those of needs; and collaborate with other local charities and not-for-profit organizations to support their objectives by aiding and providing supplementary programs. For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.healingwings.org/ Media contact: Norry Satov info@healingwings.org About Iristel Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and Télécommunications de l’Est (TDE), a company that operates a Nomad mobile network, a unique two-way radio digital trunking network built to meet the specific needs of Canada’s rural regions. Huawei Background: Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. Huawei's end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes. At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company wholly owned by its employees. Established in 2008, Huawei Canada ranks amongst the top corporate R&D investors in the country and is committed to connecting Canadians for a better, brighter future. For more information, please contact: Peter Akman Huawei Canada peter.akman@huawei.com

Founder and CEO of Iristel, Samer Bishay has made a generous donation of $470,000 to the Faculty of Science at York University. As a graduate from the Space and Communications program in 1998, Bishay aims to give back and create real impact for the young minds attending York U. Read the article on their official website: https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2020/01/07/new-gift-brightens-learning-research-opportunities-for-optical-physics-students/

IRISTEL ENTERS INTO A COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH ENCQOR 5G ENCQOR 5G (Evolution of Cloud Services in the Quebec-Ontario Corridor for Research and Innovation) is a transformational Canada-Quebec-Ontario partnership focused on innovation in 5G technologies. The project brings together industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the public sector, innovation centers and academia to realize the technological promise of 5G in the short term and stimulate long-term economic growth. ENCQOR 5G has five innovation centers located in Ontario and Quebec offering a 5G platform where SMEs can develop and test new solutions. Montreal, Quebec, October 9, 2020 - ENCQOR 5G is pleased to announce the signing of a new collaboration agreement with Iristel, an innovative player in the telecommunications sector based in Markham, Ontario, with operations across Canada. Through this agreement, Iristel will have access to ENCQOR's 5G test bed to perform various technology development work and test new solutions using 5G technology. Iristel joins the ranks of ENCQOR 5G along with six other telecommunications companies: Bell, Cogeco, Ecotel (Ambra Solutions), Rogers, Telus and Videotron. These companies also signed memorandums of understanding in February to use ENCQOR 5G's infrastructures for technological development purposes. "We are pleased that the reach of the ENCQOR 5G program continues to expand in Canada's key telecommunications sector. By partnering with players of Iristel's quality, just as we did with the other six telecommunications companies earlier this year, ENCQOR 5G can directly contribute to the emergence of a robust and dynamic 5G ecosystem in Canada, capable of competing on a global scale," said Mr. Pierre Boucher, General Manager of ENCQOR 5G. "Iristel is pleased to sign this MOU with ENCQOR 5G. It will provide us with easy and simple access to state-of-the-art 5G infrastructure to test, if necessary, different solutions using this technology. ENCQOR 5G will thus be a useful lever in our technological development efforts in the future,” said François Picard, Vice-President, Wireless Networks at Iristel. ENCQOR is the only 5G test bench in Canada to offer access to all 5G frequency ranges through an interconnected network of 5 innovation centers based in Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo. ENCQOR's state-of-the-art infrastructure allows researchers and developers to use the full potential of 5G in their development work. About Iristel: Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing carrier providing innovative communication services, including cybersecurity, that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and TDE, a company that offers sale, rental and repair services of telecommunication equipment in Eastern Quebec and Northern New Brunswick. About ENCQOR 5G: The ENCQOR 5G initiative is funded by the governments of Canada, Quebec and Ontario, as well as key industry players: Ericsson, Ciena, Thales, CGI and IBM. ENCQOR 5G is coordinated by ENCQOR Innovation. It is issued in Ontario by OCE and in Quebec by Innovation ENCQOR, Prompt and ADRIQ. The program's mandate is to bring together SMEs and the academic community to contribute to the advancement of research, innovation and application demonstration through a 5G pre-commercial testbed.

TORONTO, ON – September 22, 2020 – dotmobile™, a Full Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is pleased to announce its first network wholesale agreement. It is with Iristel, Canada’s only coast-to-coast-to-coast telecommunications network. Dotmobile is an independent wireless service provider seeking access to multiple Canadian radio access networks to complement its own cloud-based core network. Both dotmobile and Iristel are a part of Competitive Network Operators of Canada. “We see the importance of investing in network infrastructure, as well as optimizing the use of what exists today” says Algis Akstinas, CEO of dotmobile. “Our goal is to bring our innovative, all-digital wireless service to all Canadians, no matter who they are or where they live. Iristel’s radio access network covers some of the least densely populated areas in not only Canada, but the world. Network agreements like this are critical to achieving our goal.” Beyond building its national facilities-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) network and a wireless network in Canada’s far North, Iristel and its affiliates have also built networks in Africa and Eastern Europe. “We know how to build robust networks using innovative technologies that offer customers advanced communications services at fair prices,” says Samer Bishay, President and CEO of Iristel. “Interestingly, with every network we’ve built around the world, we’ve found benefits by allowing competitors on our networks, something Canada’s big telecoms do not understand.” The CRTC is currently deciding on the fate of fixed and wireless connectivity in Canada for the next five years. Canada has some of the highest wireless prices in the world. Smaller players such as MVNOs like dotmobile can offer innovative new services and serve niche segments while generating good returns for host networks to ensure continued network investment. “Having our own core-network is paramount to offering differentiated service, having both cost and speed-to-market advantage. It unleashes real wireless service innovation,” says Mr. Akstinas. “dotmobile is following a low-cost high-tech business model. Modern cloud infrastructure, simple connectivity options and reduced operational complexity will bring significant savings and improved wireless experience to our members at an optimal cost.” Data On Tap Inc., parent of dotmobile, was founded by two former WIND Mobile product architects. dotmobile™ was a registered “Proposed Full MVNO” (Mobile Network Code - 302 100) from August 29th, 2019 to September 17th, 2020. According to rules set by the Canadian telecom regulator - the CRTC - an agreement with the core network provider is one of the three essential requirements needed to become a Full Mobile Virtual Network Operator. About dotmobile: Data on Tap Inc. is building dotmobile™, a smart tiny telecom with a simple goal - to make wireless more affordable and awesome for youth, seniors, students, newcomers, visitors to the country, small businesses, and families that want to save. Data On Tap™, dotmobile™, dot.™ and the dotmobile logo are trademarks of Data On Tap Inc. About Iristel: Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Media inquiries: media@dotmobile.app and pr@iristel.com

As a leading telecommunications company with Canadian roots, we at Iristel are excited to announce that we are officially entering the Kenyan market.

As we continue to make fundamental shifts in our lifestyle to combat the Coronavirus, this has also entailed a drastic increase in data usage across Canada and the world. This instant spike in network load has created choke points that did not exist in the past, so we are working tirelessly to address to provide you with the best possible experience. There are several significant actions you can take to enhance your data speeds and reduce network load. We thank you for your patience in light of this unprecedented situation. Read more about it here .

Soon, you will be able to dial 9-8-8 to reach a mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline. This service will be available in the United States starting on July 16, 2022. 9-8-8 is not available yet in Canada, but help is still available. Adults can text 741741 and youth can text 686868. Quebec residents can text 1-855-957-5353. You can also call Canada’s suicide prevention service at 1-833-456-4566. About Iristel Iristel is Canada’s fastest-growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada’s largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast. It also owns Ice Wireless, an LTE-A carrier with operations in Canada’s northern territories and Quebec. Iristel also owns brands such as Sugar Mobile, an Over-the-Top (OTT) app where phone calls and text messages can be transmitted through data, and Télécommunications de l’Est (TDE), a company that operates a Nomad mobile network, a unique two-way radio digital trunking network built to meet the specific needs of Canada’s rural regions. For more information: www.iristel.com pr@iristel.com or call 416-800-0010

Iristel enables more than 7 million phone numbers for thousands of telecom and technology companies around the world. And in the wake of higher volumes in unwanted telemarketing and spam phone calls, the CRTC and Canada’s telecom service providers have begun to take some more hard-hitting measures to protect Canadians. In a first-of-its-kind move against unwanted calls, Iristel has created a system in which users of Iristel phone numbers can report and block other Iristel-provided phone numbers. “We are the first Telco in Canada to specifically block an abuser from contacting a user when the abuser is using a service provided by Iristel,” [CEO] Mr. Bishay added. “We hear from exasperated and angry Canadians all the time about these annoying calls and that’s why we’ve launched this new, easy-to-use, anti-spam website.”  Here’s how it works: to report unwanted calls, go to iristel.com/antispam and report the number by filling out the form and we will investigate, take action, if appropriate, and report back on what we did. Read the full press release here: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/new-iristel-service-stops-spam-phone-calls-891505941.html

TORONTO – April 15, 2021 – Sugar Mobile – long blocked from offering affordable wireless services to consumers – is disheartened with the federal regulator’s decision to side with Big Telco and regional cable players ahead of promoting competition, affordability, consumer interests, and innovation. “Canadians are paying some of the highest wireless rates in the world,” says Samer Bishay, President and CEO of Sugar Mobile. “The proposed takeover of Shaw by Rogers will only make things worse and the CRTC explicitly stated today that they did not take into account the Rogers/Shaw merger in this decision because it was announced after the record closed on the MVNO proceeding. Today’s CRTC decision provides little, if any, relief for wireless customers. Indeed, the decision is based on facts that are already obsolete because they don't take the Rogers/Shaw merger into account.” The CRTC – Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission – has effectively banned Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Canada unless they invest in network infrastructure and spectrum, which is counter to the notion of a “virtual” network operator. MVNOs have long been a staple for healthy wireless competition in the United States and other wireless markets around the world. “This decision is really an anti-MVNO decision. It provides access to regional wireless players like cable companies Videotron, Cogeco and EastLink, and Ice Wireless in Canada’s Far North, to roam on Bell, Telus and Rogers for seven years while they build duplicate wireless networks,” Mr. Bishay says. “The concept of MVNO and true consumer choice and fair pricing has been squashed in Canada.” Sugar Mobile, an MVNO owned by Iristel Inc., a Canadian facilities-based network operator, spurred this regulatory battle after launching a consumer-friendly $19-a-month wireless voice-and-data service in 2015, only to be shut down several months later by the CRTC at the behest of Rogers, Bell and Telus. The federal government then asked the CRTC to take another look at the wireless industry and its regulations. “This decision will stifle innovation and competition in Canada,” Mr. Bishay says. “In markets all over the world, we’ve seen MVNOs stimulate competition and choice for consumers without damaging incumbent phone companies. Indeed, many incumbents experience growth as their network usage becomes optimized.” In its news release, the CRTC “puts measures in place to spur more mobile wireless competition for Canadians” and its decision will offer “Canadians more choice and affordable options”, but the devil is in the details, not how the story is spun, Mr. Bishay adds. “For whatever reason, the CRTC is hanging its hat on regional players – cable companies – to provide meaningful wireless competition, and banning real MVNOs which have brought actual and sustainable wireless competition to other countries,” Mr. Bishay says. “Talk is cheap – unless it’s on a Bell, Telus or Rogers wireless phone,” he says. “It looks like it will be the same on other cable companies’ wireless phones, too.” For more information: Sugar Mobile Media Relations 416.800.0010 pr@iristel.com