Bell Aliant brings world-class broadband network to Timmins, ON

FibreOP connects straight to the home to deliver the fastest Internet and best TV experience

TIMMINS, ON, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) is expanding its presence in Northern Ontario. Today, the company announced it is investing $7 million to bring its world-class fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to Timmins, reaching approximately 15,000 premises. FibreOP^TM is the only network that connects fibre directly to a customer's home, delivering the fastest Internet upload and download speeds, and the best digital TV experience in the market.

"Timmins is the next logical step for our FibreOP expansion," said Karen Sheriff, President and CEO, Bell Aliant. "It's our largest NorthernTel market and the extensive aerial infrastructure in Timmins makes it ideal for fibre-to-the home technology. We now offer FibreOP to more than 679,000 premises in 40 communities throughout our operating territory, and we are excited about the opportunity to provide this exciting product to customers in Timmins."

Timmins is part of Bell Aliant's operating territory but is served under the NorthernTel brand. FibreOP will be marketed as "NorthernTel FibreOP.

As Internet use continues to evolve, more people are using multiple connected devices at the same time. With 100 per cent fibre straight to the home, FibreOP is the best Internet and allows everyone in the home to do what they want to do faster, and at the same time. FibreOP Internet offers download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, and upload speeds as high as 30 Mbps.

"We're thrilled that FibreOP is coming to Timmins," said Mayor Tom Laughren. "It's great news that Bell Aliant chose Timmins for its first FibreOP expansion in NorthernTel territory. It makes our community a leader in our region and provides our residents with access to the most advanced broadband technology in the world."

FibreOP delivers the best TV experience with more than 100 HD channels, the best Whole Home PVR, the most HD channels on demand and amazing apps like Facebook, Twitter, Galaxie Music, the Weather Network App and more. With a FibreOP bundle, customers save on the best of everything.

Bell Aliant's FibreOP network is already available to customers in Greater Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie and was announced in North Bay just last week.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home. By the end of 2013, the company will have extended its fibre-optic technology to approximately 800,000 premises in its territory. Timmins customers can pre-register for FibreOP service at www.FibreOP.ca, or call 1-866-FIBREOP (1-866-342-7367) to be notified when service is available in their area. 

About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant (TSX: BA) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP™ services. 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. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality customer service, choice and convenience.

SOURCE: Bell Aliant Inc.

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