Macroeconomic and global trends play an important role in determining how our industry evolves. We strive to ensure that our understanding of these trends inform our strategic imperatives and value creation process, and help shape the way we interact with our customers, team members, shareholders and society at large. The following is an examination of these trends.
| Trends | What they involve | Bell’s approach |
|---|---|---|
| 5G network infrastructure | The industry-wide expansion of 5G networks is driving customer demand for this products and services the new technology enables. Following full deployment over the next few years, 5G capabilities will enhance the lives of Canadians with new applications such as multi-access edge computing, immersive video and gaming, remote telehealth and self-driving vehicles. | To learn more about our initiatives and how we are integrating 5G considerations into our business operations and priorities, see the Our networks section in this Strategic Overview, and section 2.1, Build the best networks, section 3.2, Business outlook and assumptions and section 5.1, Bell Wireless – Competitive landscape and industry trends in the BCE 2022 Annual MD&A. |
| Technological evolution and innovation | Telecommunication technology continues to evolve rapidly across both the wireline and wireless fronts. Innovations across fibre infrastructure, IoT and smart technology are meeting new demands to deliver both societal and environmental benefits. | To learn more about our approach and role in innovation, see the Our networks and Our products and services sections in this Strategic Overview, and sections 2.2, Drive growth with innovative services and 3.2, Business outlook and assumptions, in the BCE 2022 Annual MD&A. |
| Bridging the digital divide | Access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet has become a key driver of societal well-being. As such, there is a growing determination by telecommunications providers, governments and other organizations to improve the reliability and access to wireline and wireless services. | To learn more about how Bell is addressing the digital divide through increasing our network coverage and reliability, see the Our networks and Our customers and relationships sections in this Strategic Overview. |
| Energy consumption and climate change | Consensus among the international scientific community is that GHG emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), are major contributors to climate change. Companies across all industries should be focused on helping fight climate change and safeguard against its threat through mitigation, adaptation and resilience. | To learn more about how Bell is identifying and seeking to manage its climate-related risks and opportunities, see the Risk management section of our TCFD report. To read about our climate-related initiatives, see the Our environment section, and to learn more about how we are helping customers fight climate change and adapt to its impacts, see the Our products and services section in this Strategic Overview. |
| Privacy and information security | The increasing use of, and reliance on, digital systems, as well as the importance of protecting personal information and privacy in regards to wireless, Internet, and media services has drawn the attention of lawmakers and customers. Changes to privacy laws have been proposed in a number of Canadian jurisdictions. There has also been increased interest in, and scrutiny of, the use, collection, and disclosure of personal information in Canada. | To learn more about our privacy and information security practices, see the Our networks and Our products and services sections in this Strategic Overview. |
| Corporate responsibility | Society, regulators, governments, employees and others have heightened expectations concerning the role of companies in society and the way in which they operate. This includes incorporating ethical business practices and contributing to positive socioeconomic impacts. Globally, many companies are showcasing their approach to corporate responsibility through self-regulation and the integration of social accountability within their business models. The disclosure of corporate responsibility performance is becoming extensively scrutinized by various stakeholders as they expect consistent, factual and balanced information. | To learn more about our approach to corporate responsibility, see Our corporate responsibility approach on BCE.ca. |
| Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging | Increasingly, investors, customers and employees expect companies to demonstrate how they address DEIB to foster an equitable workplace and contribute to a more equitable society. Companies must actively identify and address inequality issues, implement strategies that promote enhanced representation, and disclose DEIB-related policies, objectives and performance. Society, regulators, governments, employees and others have heightened expectations concerning the role of companies in society and the way in which they operate. This includes incorporating ethical business practices and contributing to positive socioeconomic impacts. | To learn more about how Bell supports DEIB in the workplace and through our community initiatives, see the Our people and Our customers and relationships sections in this Strategic Overview. |
