Latitude Wireless Inc. is expanding its cellphone coverage to three Nunavut communities this fall, building on its recent launch of service in Rankin Inlet earlier this year.

Officials with Latitude Wireless, which is owned by Northwestel Wireless Inc., say they plan to introduce cellular phone service to one community in the territory's Kitikmeot region and two in the Kivalliq region.

"We have plans to expand Latitude Wireless service to the Nunavut communities of Cambridge Bay, Arviat and Baker Lake before the end of September," marketing manager Chris McNutt told CBC News.

McNutt said the company has been encouraged by the warm reception Rankin Inlet residents have given cellphone service since it was made available there in February.

About 400 cellphones have been sold in the community of 2,350, and the local authorized dealer is currently sold out of handsets.

"We get our cellphones from Latitude Wireless, and there has been such a big demand that Latitude has been behind in getting us our stuff," said Tara Tootoo-Fotheringham, owner the Sugar Rush Cafe in Rankin Inlet, where the phones are sold.

"So we are currently out of cellphones, and we are expecting another allotment of them, probably in about the next week."

McNutt said he is pleased, but not surprised, with the demand in Rankin Inlet.

"Cellular service is the fastest-growing sector of the telecommunications industry worldwide," he said.

McNutt said the company is looking for businesses in Cambridge Bay, Arviat and Baker Lake to become local Latitude Wireless dealerships.

Before Latitude Wireless opened up shop in Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit was the only Nunavut community with cellphone service.

Latitude Wireless also offers cellular service in Fort Simpson and Norman Wells, N.W.T., and in 17 Yukon communities.

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