Bell MTS expands all-fibre broadband network in La Salle

Direct fibre connections deliver Canada's fastest consumer Internet speeds

LA SALLE, MB, May 1, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell MTS today announced the latest expansion of its all-fibre broadband network to approximately 800 homes and business locations throughout the Town of La Salle in the Rural Municipality of Macdonald, which will provide residents with access to the fastest home Internet in Canada and other Bell MTS exclusive services like Whole Home Wi-Fi and Fibe TV.

"The Municipality has long identified high-speed Internet access as critical infrastructure to improve the lives of those who live and do business in our Municipality," said Brad Erb, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Macdonald. "This investment by Bell MTS will help us as we continue to build communities for the future in all areas of the Municipality."

Fully funded by Bell MTS, the new network will deliver Internet access speeds of up to 1.5 Gigabits per second, the fastest consumer Internet in Canada. Construction is set to begin in June, with the first customer connections expected this summer.

"The Bell MTS $1 billion investment plan for Manitoba is delivering advanced broadband access to more cities, towns and rural communities than ever before," said Dan McKeen, Vice Chair of Bell MTS & Western Canada. "These technology investments are key to supporting the continued economic and social prosperity of Manitoba communities, and we are proud to welcome La Salle to our growing broadband network."

La Salle joins over 30 communities across the province that now have access to Bell MTS fibre. Bell MTS is also bringing the world's best Internet technology to Flin Flon and Churchill this summer, and also announced a major new initiative to bring direct fibre connections to approximately 275,000 homes and businesses in Winnipeg.

For more information about Bell MTS Fibe services, please visit BellMTS.ca/Internet or BellMTS.ca/Business.

Caution concerning forward-looking statements
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to our network deployment and capital investment plans in Manitoba and the expected benefits to result therefrom. They describe our expectations as of the date hereof and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake to update or revise them thereafter.

All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations.

For additional information on assumptions and risks underlying certain forward-looking statements made in this news release, please refer to BCE's 2019 Annual MD&A dated March 5, 2020 (included in BCE's 2019 Annual Report), filed by BCE with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (available at Sedar.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). This document is also available at BCE.ca.

About the Rural Municipality of Macdonald
Located southwest of Winnipeg and covering approximately 1,106 square kilometres, the Rural Municipality of Macdonald is one of the oldest municipalities in Manitoba. Home to a diverse population of almost 8,000 residents, the RM of Macdonald is one of the fastest growing areas in Manitoba. Major communities in Macdonald include La Salle, Oak Bluff, Domain, Brunkild, Sanford, Starbuck and Osborne.

About Bell MTS
Bell MTS is part of BCE, Canada's largest communications company, and provides advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services throughout Manitoba. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading television, radio, out of home and digital media assets in Manitoba and across Canada. To learn more, please visit BellMTS.ca or BCE.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Media inquiries:

Morgan Shipley
Bell MTS
204-391-2849
morgan.shipley@bellmts.ca
@Bell_News 
@BellMTS_News

Investor inquiries:

Thane Fotopoulos
514-870-4619
thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca

SOURCE Bell Canada