Ottawa: The Complete Wireless Telecommunications Ecosystem

Ottawa is an established, internationally recognized centre of excellence in wireless telecommunications technologies. Covering telecommunications, semi-conductor, optical technologies and wireless systems, as well as converging opportunities with photonics, optics and life sciences, Ottawa has it all. Ottawa has over 400 companies in the sector employing over 35,000 people. Firms that own 74% of the global optical telecom market have a presence in Ottawa.

Multinational Anchor Companies
The world’s largest wireless telecommunications network equipment companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, Blackberry, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, and Huawei are developing their next generation products in Ottawa. All major technologies are represented–cellular, satellite and fixed wireless systems–all designed and manufactured here.

Ottawa Research and Development Facilities
Ottawa accounts for 90 per cent of Canada’s industrial telecommunications R&D. The city is home to 44 federal labs, and four post-secondary institutions with 2,300 faculty and 21,309 students enrolled in science and technology. Together, they undertake $342.7 million of sponsored research annually.

Company Case Studies and Testimonials – Ottawa Wireless Industry

• Amika Mobile Corp.
• BelAir Networks Inc.
• Bridgewater Systems Corp.
• DragonWave Inc.
• EION Inc.
• Enablence Technologies Inc.
• MapleWorks Technology
• March Networks Corporation
• Research in Motion (RIM)
• Spotwave Wireless
• TenXc Wireless Inc.

Additional Resources

National Capital Institute for Telecommunications (NCIT)
The NCIT (NCIT Inc.) was established in 1999 as an incorporated non-for-profit business to create an enduring institute to undertake state-of-the-art research in the then emerging field of broadband communications.

National Research Council (NRC)’s Institute for Information Technology (IIT)
NRC-IIT is strengthening Canada’s leadership in information and communications technologies by creating and commercializing software and systems technology to help Canada prosper in the knowledge economy.

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
The Association represents the industry before governments and various regulatory agencies. While primarily involved with the activities of federal agencies such as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Industry Canada and Health Canada, the Association is increasingly active at the provincial and municipal levels.

University of Ottawa’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)
The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science was formed in 1997 by the merger of the Department of Computer Science and of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The School of EECS is the University of Ottawa’s centre for research and teaching in all areas related to computing, computers and communications.