Bell Aliant brings world-class broadband network to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

FibreOP connects straight to the home and delivers the fastest Internet download and upload speeds

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) is bringing its world-class fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, investing $15 million to pass approximately 24,000 premises in the area. FibreOP is the only network that is 100 per cent fibre directly to a customer's home or business, delivering the fastest Internet upload and download speeds, and the best digital TV experience in the market.

"FibreOP truly is a game-changing technology, and we're thrilled to continue our expansion in Ontario by bringing this state-of-the-art network to Sault Ste. Marie," said Andre LeBlanc, VP Residential Markets, Bell Aliant. "Consumers are more connected than ever before, and FibreOP is designed to deliver the best TV and Internet experience -- today and in the future."

Consumption of Internet continues to evolve, with more people using more connected devices at the same time. FibreOP can easily handle multiple connected devices, large data files and streaming video -- and delivers the best Internet and TV experience in the market. FibreOP is available for sale in the downtown area of Sault Ste. Marie starting today, and will expand throughout the city during the year.

"Bell Aliant's FibreOP network gives our city a competitive edge," said Debbie Amaroso, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie. "It gives our residents access to state-of-the-art technology - on par with anyplace in the world."

"There's also great economic development potential with FibreOP," added Joe Fratesi, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Sault Ste. Marie. "In addition to the many benefits we already boast, fibre-to-the-home will be a key differentiator for the City of Sault Ste. Marie."

With Internet download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, and upload speeds as high as 30 Mbps, FibreOP delivers the best Internet experience in the market today. FibreOP also delivers the best TV experience with more than 100 HD channels, the best Whole Home PVR, and amazing apps like Facebook, Twitter, Galaxie Music and more. With a FibreOP bundle, customers save on the best of everything.

Sault Ste. Marie is part of Bell Aliant's operating territory. Through its strategic partnership with Bell, products are marketed under the Bell brand. FibreOP will be marketed as "Bell FibreOP."

Bell Aliant has passed more than 33,000 premises with FibreOP in Greater Sudbury. The service is now available in the following communities: Azilda, Blezard Valley, Chelmsford, Coniston, Garson, Hanmer, New Sudbury, and Minto. In 2012, Bell Aliant turned up the dial on its FibreOP speeds, giving Sudbury customers access to 250 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home. By the end of 2013, the company will have extended its fibre-optic technology to approximately 800,000 homes and businesses in its territory. Sault Ste. Marie customers can pre-register for FibreOP service at www.fibreop.ca, or call 1-866-FIBREOP (1-866-342-7367) to be notified when service is available in their area.

About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant (TSX: BA) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP™ services. Through its operating entities, it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality customer service, choice and convenience.

SOURCE: BELL ALIANT INC.

Norma Hughes
(705) 648-3443
Toll-free: (877) 647-3443
norma.hughes@bellaliant.ca