Mr. Mark McDonald reports

BELL BRINGS FIBRE INTERNET TO BIG AND LITTLE TANCOOK ISLANDS

BCE Inc.'s Bell has completed a major broadband infrastructure project, delivered in collaboration with the government of Nova Scotia, that will bring high-speed fibre Internet access to approximately 184 homes and businesses on Big and Little Tancook Islands, helping connect one of Nova Scotia's most remote island communities to new opportunities for work, education, health care and economic growth. The project connects the islands directly to Bell's fibre network through an innovative subsea fibre deployment in the Blandford area.

To make the project possible, Bell deployed approximately seven kilometres of submarine fibre cable and built an additional eight kilometres of fibre infrastructure on the islands. The result is a direct fibre connection for a community that has traditionally relied on a mix of fixed wireless and satellite technologies for Internet access.

"Reliable fibre Internet can transform opportunities for island communities. Working closely with the government of Nova Scotia and Build Nova Scotia, we delivered an innovative subsea fibre project that will help residents and businesses on Big and Little Tancook islands stay connected and thrive. This project highlights how collaboration between government and the private sector can help bring advanced connectivity to communities and make a meaningful difference," stated Mark McDonald, executive vice-president and chief technology officer of Bell.

"Through the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative, led by Build Nova Scotia, we are pleased to see this undersea fibre project come to fruition with our partners. The service will provide Tancook islands residents, visitors and businesses with greater access to essential services and opportunities, helping to strengthen and support this coastal community. The initiative has provided reliable high-speed Internet access to nearly 100 per cent of Nova Scotians through a mix of providers and technologies. We believe Nova Scotia is the first province or territory in Canada to reach this level of coverage -- a milestone we're proud to achieve," stated Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works, government of Nova Scotia.

Bell continues to invest in advanced communications infrastructure across Atlantic Canada, expanding access to high-speed fibre Internet in rural, coastal and underserved communities while supporting economic growth and digital inclusion across the region.

About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services, and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven (artificial intelligence) solutions, the company is keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage.