Telecom Hall of Fame Announces 2006 Laureates

Public advocates, entrepreneurs and pioneers complete this year’s list of laureates inducted into Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame. The industry will celebrate them in October. Ted Rogers: As CEO of Rogers Communications, he is heralded for his competitive spirit. The executive helped change the telecom landscape when he unveiled Cantel, the first national cellular service provider, and later the first high-speed Internet service. Edward S. Rogers: Father of Ted Rogers, Edward is celebrated for his ability to conceptualize and commercialize. He invented the world’s first AC radio tube in 1925 and the first battery-less radio. Donald Hings: As the inventor of the walkie-talkie, this Burnaby BC genius helped improve communication for thousands of American, British and Canadian soldiers during World War II. His invention underpins the advanced communication devices in use today. Leila Wightman: She took over as president and CEO of Wightman Telephones after her husband’s death in 1948, and 27 years at the helm capped a full 50-year career with the company. Bernie Saunders: He is one of the greatest administrative law litigators. The Montrealer’s career took him from private practice to Bell Canada. Francis Dagger: As one of the primary proponents of public ownership of the Canadian telecom industry, his work from 1903 to 1907 helped create citizen-owned telephone companies in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Hall of Fame also recognizes groups or organizations that have made a difference. This year, the Special Recognition Award goes to the Digital World initiative of the mid-1970s. This project gave Canada a two-year jump in digital switching as it brought together two R&D powerhouses, Bell-Northern Research and Northern Telecom, to design and market an entirely digital switching platform. According to Lorne Abugov, the Hall of Fame’s founder and partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, the awards capture the true spirit of Canadian telecom. "Because we have a merit based process, we’re not caught up in the celebrity, CEO-level event. We try to look for some of the hidden geniuses, the unsung successes and heroes, as well as the major leaders in the industry." For information about the 2006 Telecom Laureate Awards gala on October 16, visit www.telecomhall.ca

Telecom Hall of Fame Announces 2006 Laureates

News | September 28, 2006

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