SAINT JOHN, N.B. — On the road doesnt have to mean being out of touch, as professional drivers can now access wireless high-speed Internet from eight Irving Big Stop locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Irving Big Stops are the first and only chain of rest stops in Atlantic Canada to offer Wireless Fidelity, or “WiFi,” service. The service is known as Irving HotSpot.

“Our customers now have the option of accessing the Internet to correspond with family and co-workers while enjoying a home-cooked meal or just relaxing in our drivers lounge,” says Steve Flewelling, travel plaza marketing manager with Irving Oil. “They can also purchase downloaded music, play games and shop online, or surf for local hotels and tourist attractions from their laptops in our sites.”

Irving Big Stops are now wired for high-speed in the following locations:

Salisbury, N.B.
Aulac, N.B.
Grand Falls, N.B.
Route 1, N.B.
Truro Heights, N.S.
Enfield, N.S.
New Minas, N.S.
Deer Lake, N.L.

In the Salisbury, Aulac, Grand Falls and Enfield locations, coverage is available in the parking lots as well, meaning customers can also surf the Internet and access e-mail from the comfort of their trucks.

The service is offered in collaboration with Atlantic Canadas leading communication provider, Aliant.

“We are offering this service in response to customer demand,” Flewelling says. “The service is simple and easy to use, and our rates are very competitive.”

Customers can purchase the service at an hourly rate of $4.99, a daily rate of $7.99 or a monthly rate of $19.99, plus tax.