July 13, 2009

Bell Aliant, with support from the New Brunswick government, claims it will be the first communications company in Canada to provide an advanced broadband network to an entire city. Bell Aliant will be investing $60 million to provide fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology to 70,000 homes and businesses in Saint John and Fredericton by mid-2010. Some customers will receive this service, known as FiberOP, later this year.

“We are excited that our launch of FiberOP makes us the first
communications company in Canada to offer fiber-to-the-home to serve
entire cities,” said Karen Sheriff, president and CEO, Bell Aliant. “In
addition to bringing the most advanced technology to our customers, it
makes economic sense for Bell Aliant in these markets because of the
cost advantages associated with our virtually 100% aerial network
infrastructure and low population density.”

Sherriff said that customers will have access to an advanced broadband
network delivered through 100% fiber optic technology connected
directly to their homes and businesses. With FiberOP, she said,
customers will be able to enjoy the ultimate Internet and television
experience.

“We are pleased Bell Aliant has chosen to launch this next generation
broadband network first to our province, and we expect this leading
technology will attract further investment and bring more New
Brunswickers home for work, leading us forward on the road to
self-sufficiency,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “This project is critical
to developing and expanding New Brunswick’s growing
information-communications-technologies (ICT) sector and will maintain
our province’s leadership edge in telecommunications technology across
Canada.”

The provincial government is renewing its strategic partnership with
Bell Aliant by extending two existing service agreements for three
years. It is also contributing $1 million to ensure that New Brunswick
technology and construction companies (and their employees) participate
in the project. In return, Bell Aliant will award $3 million in
project-related contracts to local businesses.

FiberOP is a continuation of Bell Aliant’s strategy to bring fiber
services closer to customers. Bell Aliant covers more than 240,000
homes with its fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) network. As Bell Aliant moves
into these new markets, with one of the most aerial networks in North
America and relatively low population density, FTTH costs are
comparable to FTTN.

CLICK HERE for Bell Aliant.

E-MAIL deborah.nobes@gnb.ca for Deborah Nobes of Business New Brunswick.