Mr. Stephen Howe reports

CANADA'S FASTEST 5G+ NETWORK IS ABOUT TO GET EVEN FASTER, BELL DEPLOYS 3800 MHZ SPECTRUM IN SELECT AREAS OF TORONTO AND KITCHENER-WATERLOO

BCE Inc.'s Bell Canada has deployed 3,800-megahertz spectrum in select areas of Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, which will offer customers the country's fastest mobile technology yet on what is already Canada's fastest 5G+ wireless network (1).

With the acquisition of 3,800 megahertz in 2023, Bell secured the most 5G+ spectrum nationwide, adding high-capacity airwaves critical to the advancement of 5G. Bell 5G+ is expected to be even faster and more responsive, allowing for a superior mobile experience with peak theoretical download speeds of up to four gigabits per second in select areas.

In addition to deploying 3,800-megahertz spectrum, Bell and Samsung are undergoing testing to demonstrate its optimal use. Right now, the two are utilizing five-component carrier aggregation (5CCA) on a smart phone device (Samsung Galaxy S24 series) as a means to unlock the fastest mobile speeds available. The 5CCA technology allows the device to use 3,800-megahertz spectrum, together with Bell's other available 5G spectrum. Notably, Bell achieved a significant milestone today becoming the first carrier in North America to conduct a 5CCA test on a smart phone over a live production network leveraging 3,800-megahertz spectrum. During the field test, download speeds of over two gigabits per second were achieved, which Bell confirms are the fastest mobile speeds recorded to date in Canada in the field.

By operating Bell's 5G+ network on 3,800-megahertz spectrum, complemented with the existing 3,500-megahertz spectrum, Bell will deliver faster mobile speeds for things like downloading and streaming high-resolution videos, as well as uploading content to share on social media or for cloud photo backups. Bell's 5G+ spectrum will also allow for greater capacity to manage more devices that connect to Bell's wireless network and provide lower latency, which means real-time communication and immersive experiences can take place with lightning-fast response time.

For more details about Bell 5G+, including coverage, pricing, availability and compatible devices, please visit the Bell website.

Quotes

"Our commitment to innovation reaches new heights today as we begin deploying 3,800-megahertz spectrum, which will offer customers access to the country's fastest mobile technology yet. It's a significant milestone in the evolution of next-generation communications in Canada, and we are extremely proud to lead the way, delivering the latest technology and best experience to our customers. Moreover, we're thrilled to be working with Samsung as we look to further accelerate 5G and unleash future advancements," said Stephen Howe, chief technology and information officer, Bell.

"Partnering with Bell for the launch of their new spectrum is an exciting step forward in our shared commitment to delivering innovative technology to Canadians. The Galaxy S24 series devices are Samsung's newest and fastest phones. Together, we provide Canadians with a high performance experience and seamless connectivity, truly defining Samsung's next generation of mobile technology," said Raj Doshi, head of mobile business, Samsung Canada.

Quick facts:

• Bell 5G+ already offers Canadians the fastest mobile speeds available, and it is about to get even faster.
• Bell has started deploying 3,800-megahertz spectrum in select areas of Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.
• As the first carrier in North America, Bell partnered with Samsung to test 5CCA on a smart phone device leveraging 3,800-megahertz spectrum.
• Bell and Samsung's 5CCA testing resulted in achieving mobile download speeds of over two gigabits per second, which Bell confirms are the fastest recorded to date in Canada in the field.

About Bell Canada

Bell is Canada's largest communications company (2), providing advanced broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE.

Through "Bell for better," it is investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of communities. This includes the "Bell let's talk initiative," which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like "Bell let's talk day" and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country.

(1) Based on a third party score (global wireless solutions OneScore) calculated using Bell wireless 5G network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks from April 12, 2023, to Oct. 27, 2023.

(2) Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.