Bell spending $854 million in Montréal to provide the swiftest broadband fibre expertise directly to residences and trades throughout the city

MONTRÉAL, March 27: Bell revealed that it will spend an additional $854 million to bring direct fibre links as well as the swiftest Internet speeds obtainable to added residences and trades all over Montréal. Bell's fibre to the home (FTTH) links will eventually attain a total of 1.1 million houses and commercial sites all over Québec's biggest metropolis.

"Bell was founded in Montréal in 1880 and ever since we have led the way in delivering the latest communications innovations to the city and the country. Now, our plan to directly connect more than a million homes and businesses here with the fastest broadband fibre technology will ensure Montréal's place at the forefront of global Smart Cities," revealed George Cope, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada, adding, "Bell's leadership in next-generation networks has transformed our company into the growth leader in broadband Internet, TV and wireless. By connecting everyone in Montréal with the best in broadband, Bell is enabling the benefits of increased innovation and economic growth for our home city now and into the future."

"I'm delighted that our city will soon rank among the best in broadband connections and ultra-fast downloading and uploading speeds," disclosed Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal, adding, "There is a direct and positive correlation between access to an ultra-fast Internet network and a community's economic development. Especially for a city like Montréal, known for its dynamic digital sector and the expertise of its cutting-edge industries like video gaming, aerospace and health technologies, today's announcement packs tremendous economic potential."

"Starting in 2013, my administration wanted to position Montréal as an innovative, digital city. So it's no coincidence that private companies are increasingly making Montréal their home. The announcement that Bell is investing $854 million in new communications infrastructure will without a doubt allow us to attract even more leading-edge businesses. This will be among the many advantages Montréal has to offer in terms of digital infrastructure," stated Mayor Coderre.

The $854 million financing is completely backed by Bell and acts for the biggest-ever communications infrastructure venture in Québec. Created on the outcomes of preceding fibre ventures in Québec City, Toronto and other key urban hubs, Bell assesses the Montréal venture will generate almost 2,700 direct and indirect employments in Québec and an extra $2.2 billion in new financial action. Bell is associating with numerous local providers, comprising Asplundh, Effigis Geo-Solutions, G-TEK, Infrastructel, Telecon, TCI and TRJ Télécom, to accomplish the venture.

Bell's extension will fit over 7,000 kilometres of new fibre and enhance 25 central offices throughout Montréal. Over 90% of Bell's system in the city is on aerial structures now in position, which will aid to zoom the placement of the new fibre connections. Functioning thoroughly with the city to administer the placement, Bell is associating with Montréal's 3-1-1 information service to reply to queries from populaces about the venture, and updates on facility accessibility can be obtained at Bell.ca/Mtl.

Preceding month, the City of Montréal revealed the expansion of a central point of communication for public utility businesses: telecommunications, cable, electricity as well as natural gas. The purpose of this lone communication point is to enhance the administration and assimilation of all associates' work so as to lessen trouble to local populaces.