Bell Aliant connects Oromocto and Salisbury with super-fast FibreOP network

Unique, world-class fibre-to-the-home technology coming soon to thousands more homes and businesses in New Brunswick.

OROMOCTO, NB, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Bell Aliant announced a $4.5 million investment that will connect two more New Brunswick communities with its future-proof fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology.Beginning this summer, FibreOP^TM will be available to approximately 6,000 Oromocto homes and businesses, and 1,100 premises in the Village of Salisbury. With today's announcement, Bell Aliant's FibreOP coverage in the province extends to almost 220,000 premises and represents an investment of close to $115 million since 2009.

"We launched FibreOP almost five years ago, and today we are very happy to be adding Oromocto and Salisbury to the growing list of New Brunswick communities that have benefitted from the network since 2009," said Andre LeBlanc, vice president, Residential Markets at Bell Aliant. "It's no secret that competition in this industry is strong. But I can tell you this: what the others do, we do better. With the only 100 per cent fibre network available, we offer faster Internet, sharper TV with more than 140 HD channels and top notch customer service."

"This is a big deal for us," said Oromocto Mayor Bob Powell. "We are pleased that Bell Aliant will bring FibreOP's capability to our town. We have always considered Oromocto a forward-thinking community and this announcement contributes to our claim."

"We are thrilled to hear FibreOP is coming to Salisbury. This village offers the best of rural living with the convenience of a larger centre nearby," said Terry Keating, Mayor of Salisbury. "FibreOP brings the city - and the world - right to us, with access to technology that will create opportunities for youth, businesses and all residents to live, work and play connected with the best technology."   

Since its introduction in 2009, Bell Aliant has deployed its FTTH network to more than 827,000 premises in more than 70 communities throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario. And that expansion will continue into 2014. The company plans to expand its FTTH footprint to one million premises passed, adding almost 200,000 new homes and businesses this year.

FibreOP customers enjoy the best online and entertainment experience, and with a FibreOP bundle, they save on the best of everything.

• FibreOP advantage: FibreOP provides a direct fibre-to-the-home connection offering the fastest Internet in the market with limitless potential to increase speeds in the future. Bell Aliant increased FibreOP Internet speeds three times in the last 18 months and currently offers download/upload speeds of up to 250/30 Mbps.
• Leading the way: Bell Aliant was the first to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home and was awarded the FTTXcellence Award for North American innovation and leadership in FTTH deployment.
• Reaching more communities: FibreOP is available to more than 827,000 homes and businesses in more than 70 communities across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Bell Aliant is on target to reach the million premises passed mark by the end of 2014.
• There's an app for that: Bell Aliant was the first to introduce social TV apps to its superior TV offering along with more than 140 HD channels, wireless TV and incredible PVR. FibreOP's suite of apps includes, Facebook, Twitter, TMN GO, the Weather Network App and Galaxie.

Customers in Oromocto and Salisbury can check availability and pre-register for FibreOP service at www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP, or by calling 1-866-FIBREOP (1-866-342-7367).

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.

Christine Manore, Toll-free: 888-845-3171, [email protected]