Mr. Robert Malcolmson reports

BELL CALLS ON OTTAWA TO BUILD, CONNECT AND GROW CANADA WITH SMART POLICIES

BCE Inc.'s Bell Canada has launched "Build. Connect. Grow Canada.," a national multimedia campaign calling on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the federal government to implement smart policies that will grow the economy by unlocking billions worth of private-sector investments to build fibre networks.

Today, 7.8 million homes and businesses across Bell's footprint have access to its pure fibre network. However, the CRTC has put further investment and greater connectivity at risk.

Since 2020, Bell has invested almost $23-billion to expand its pure fibre network. These high-speed networks are critical infrastructure that power Canada's economy, support jobs and enhance connectivity for Canadian homes and businesses.

The CRTC decision allowing Telus, Rogers and Bell to resell on each other's fibre networks undermines the business case for further investment in new network builds, jeopardizing billions of dollars that companies are ready to invest to expand high-speed Internet for Canadians.

As a result of the CRTC policy, Bell has revised its fibre build target down by 1.5 million locations and cut capital expenditures by $500-million this year alone.

Less private investment means fewer jobs along Bell's supply chain, diminished network resilience and fewer Canadians getting access to the world's best Internet technology, particularly in rural, remote and indigenous communities -- at a time when Canada can least afford it.

Reversing the CRTC's policy will eliminate regulatory uncertainty and unlock billions worth of nation-building investments that are critical to transform and protect Canada's economy.

"For 145 years, Bell has helped build, connect and grow Canada. We are more than just a communications company, we are builders of Canada's critical infrastructure -- a crucial foundation for economic growth and national security. As Canada faces threats to its economy and sovereignty, it is more important than ever to encourage investment from strong Canadian companies like Bell that want to build, connect and grow Canada. We are calling on the CRTC and federal government to implement smart policies that will unlock billions in private-sector investment that keeps Canada's networks strong while powering, transforming and growing our economy," said Robert Malcolmson, executive vice-president and chief legal and regulatory officer.

Quick facts:

• According to a recent survey of 4,000 Canadians by spark* advocacy, 79 per cent of Canadians agree that allowing large players like Telus and Bell to resell each other's networks will not increase price competition, but will decrease investment in building bigger and better broadband networks.
• The same survey found that 74 per cent of Canadians agree that if the incentive for a company to build a network is removed, Canada will end up worse off in the long run.

About Bell Canada

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

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