FibreOP(TM) services poised to expand across NB more customers able to
experience ultimate broadband experience

BATHURST, NB, Feb. 8 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant, with the support of the Government of New Brunswick , today announced their 2010 expansion plan for their FibreOP(TM) services in New Brunswick - increasing their financial commitment across this province. The plan includes fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network expansion into several communities including:

    
    - City of Bathurst and the City of Miramichi
    - The Greater Saint John area including the towns of Rothesay,
      Quispamsis, and Grand Bay-Westfield
    - The Greater Moncton area including the City of Moncton, City of Dieppe
      and Town of Riverview
    

"Having access to the fastest and most innovative technology will undoubtedly help New Brunswick attract and retain new and existing talent in the near future - furthering the goal of economic prosperity province-wide," said Karen Sheriff , President and CEO, Bell Aliant. "We're extremely proud to offer an unparalleled broadband experience - including Bell Aliant TV - for our customers as we expand into a number of communities this year."

By end of 2010, Bell Aliant will have invested $80 million to bring FibreOP(TM) technology to 110,000 - or 35 per cent - of the homes and business in New Brunswick . Looking forward to mid-2011, they will have extended the service to a total of 145,000 or 45 per cent, of homes and businesses in the province. When Bell Aliant completes the project in mid-2011, they will have spent $10-12 million in contracts with New Brunswick businesses, delivering further economic benefit to the province.

FibreOP(TM) delivers the fastest Internet and video sharing available in the province; the ultimate High Definition TV experience; and, the best customer service experience, provided on a 100 per cent FTTH network that connects directly to your home. The network was originally announced in July, 2009, when Bell Aliant said that it would invest $60 million in a FTTH network to serve homes and businesses in the province.

"We are thrilled that Bell Aliant has chosen to continue to invest in New Brunswick , especially northern New Brunswick , by expanding its next generation broadband network to even more communities. This project is critical to developing and expanding New Brunswick's growing information-communications-technologies (ICT) sector," said Premier Shawn Graham . "Bell Aliant recognizes the enormous potential in our province. The company's plan to extend fibre-to-the-home technology (FTTH) to more New Brunswickers will help us attract further investment and bring more people home for work, leading us forward on the road to self-sufficiency."

Bell Aliant is also expanding the City of Fredericton rollout to include some Greater Fredericton neighborhood communities including the areas of New Maryland, Hanwell, Peppercreek, McLeod Hill and Lincoln and is set to complete the project by the end of March. The next phase of expansion is already in progress and includes the City of Saint John. More details on the availability of FibreOP(TM) in the City of Saint John will be announced soon.

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Background

In February, Bell Aliant announced that in 2010 they will more than double their 2009 spending on fibre technology to pass 140,000 homes with fibre to the home by the end of this year.

Bell Aliant recently launched the next level of Bell Aliant FibreOP(TM) residential services now available in Fredericton offering customers 60 Mbps download and 15 Mbps upload Internet service - the fastest Internet experience available in the city. These unprecedented speeds enable customers to download music or movies, and share video or photos faster than ever before. Increasing the capacity of upload speeds in addition to download is important to ensure the fastest two-way and overall Internet experience.

FibreOP(TM) TV offers 100 per cent digital TV service including High Definition television and watch and record PVR, giving customers the option to watch and record two different HD channels at one time. Customers can enjoy unmatched digital picture and sound quality on over 200 channels, including over 90 music channels and 45 HD channels. Other features include an easy-to-use on-screen program guide, free time-shifting that allows customers to watch their favourite shows from other time zones, local radio music stations and access to pay-per-view movies and events.

FibreOP(TM) services are currently for sale in areas of Fredericton. They can be purchased alone, or bundled with all the other telecommunications and entertainment services that customers need for their home, including Home Phone with unlimited features, unlimited long distance calling, FibreOP(TM) Internet and FibreOP(TM) TV.

Fibre to the home is an advanced broadband network that provides the ultimate experience for Internet and video services, including High Definition television. It is the ideal architecture to enable the growing bandwidth needs of customers. For more information, customers can call 1-866-FibreOP (1-866-342-7367) or visit www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP.

About Bell Aliant

Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 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. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services and advanced technology solutions. Bell Aliant's employees are committed to deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience.

For further information: Peter Murchland, Communications and Public Affairs, Bell Aliant, 1-877-487-3165, [email protected]