For more than two decades, Iristel has been redefining connectivity across Canada and around the world. Founded in 1999, the Markham-based company has grown into one of Canada’s largest independent telecommunications providers, challenging the country’s telecom giants with cutting-edge business voice, messaging, wireless, and cybersecurity solutions.
But what sets Iristel apart isn’t just its technology. It’s the pioneering spirit of its founder, Samer Bishay, whose passion for aviation has played a direct role in shaping the company’s ability to serve even the most remote regions.
Bishay is an accomplished pilot whose passion for aviation has given him a unique perspective on connectivity in the skies and the ground. Just as aviation relies on seamless, real-time communication to ensure safety and efficiency, Bishay saw the potential to apply these principles to the telecom industry.
Much of Canada’s rural regions remain disconnected due to traditional telecom carriers' logistical and financial constraints. Unlike larger telecom providers, Iristel has prioritized reaching areas with inadequate or non-existent communications infrastructure. The company has been at the forefront of deploying wireless and broadband solutions in Canada’s north, including the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon regions that major carriers have historically underserved.
"Northern Canada has not seen the same level of investment in telecom infrastructure as urban centers," says Johnny Ayoub, Iristel’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Operations. "Samer’s vision is about ensuring that no community is left behind, no matter how remote. And aviation has been a game changer in making that a reality."
By using his aircraft, Bishay and his team have been able to personally oversee network deployments in some of the most difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring that communities receive the same high-quality connectivity as urban centers. This hands-on approach has given Iristel a significant edge over competitors that rely on third parties or government initiatives to extend their reach.
“You learn how to manage many variables at the same time in both aviation and business,” Bishay says. “In telecom, nothing is constant. It’s always shifting, just like flying. If you don’t stay ahead of the changes, you’ll fall behind.”
This adaptability has helped Iristel weather industry challenges, including regulatory battles, market competition, and the evolving digital transformation landscape. The company’s proactive approach to technological innovation and strategic expansion has allowed it to remain an industry leader.
Iristel’s vision extends beyond providing telecom solutions to innovative new ways of enabling seamless, borderless communication. The company is helping businesses and individuals communicate more efficiently in an increasingly interconnected world by integrating cloud-based services, automation, and cybersecurity solutions.
As Iristel expands its footprint across Canada and internationally, one thing remains clear: the company’s commitment to connecting people, no matter where they are, is as steadfast as the man at its helm, who understands that true leadership is about navigating challenges and opportunities with unwavering determination.
But at the heart of it all remains Bishay’s belief in innovation and accessibility. Whether piloting an aircraft to a remote village to deploy a new telecom network or challenging regulatory barriers to level the playing field in Canada’s telecom sector, Iristel continues to soar above industry obstacles, proving that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
