Bell has announced today small communities in Atlantic Canada will get access to 4G LTE this year, with 52 communities going online this year and over 100 by the end of 2015 for areas in New Brunswick, Newfoundland& Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The 4G LTE rollout will deploy 700MHz spectrum to reach rural areas. Bell says their LTE network already reaches 81% of the Canadian population with plans to cover over 98% with its ongoing expansion plans.
BCE Plans to Privatize Bell Aliant in $3.95 Billion Deal
In a separate announcement, BCE noted it plans to take full control of Bell Aliant by offering a $3.95 billion deal to its minority shareholders. Bell Aliant will continue to serve New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island from its Halifax headquarters.
George Cope, President and CEO of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, said in a statement:
“Privatizing Bell Aliant enhances our broadband investment strategy and capital markets objectives while delivering great value to the public minority shareholders who have supported Bell Aliant’s success.”
BCE says it plans to invest $2.1 billion in Atlantic Canada over the next five years to continue its rollout of broadband wireline and wireless for customers.
Bell today also said it has acquired two new call centres in New Brunswick for customer service which will also add 700 jobs.
