Bell Aliant to cover even more of Newfoundland and Labrador with FibreOP

STEPHENVILLE, NL, March 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Bell Aliant is announcing a $4.8-million investment to extend FibreOP^TM to three additional towns in Newfoundland and Labrador. Customers in Harbour Grace, Deer Lake and Stephenville will now have access to the company's industry-leading fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. More than 8,100 homes and businesses will benefit from this latest expansion of FibreOP, the only service that delivers 100 per cent fibre optic technology straight to the home providing endless possibilities for customers.

"We've seen incredible demand for FibreOP here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and this expansion puts us on target to reach even more of the province," said Andre LeBlanc, Vice President, Residential Markets at Bell Aliant. "At home, FibreOP's blazing-fast Internet speeds, crystal-clear television and lots of HD channels add up to the best TV experience in the market. And throughout the province the technology opens up a world of possibilities in areas such as distance education and new media."

With today's announcement, Bell Aliant's FibreOP coverage in the province extends to more than 139,000 premises and represents an investment of $65 million since 2011.

The expansion is welcome news for Ron Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries which promotes the technology industry throughout the Province.

"The technology industry in the province generates significant economic benefit," said Mr. Taylor. "FibreOP is a definite asset that propels our members to new levels of innovation, and lets us do business on a global scale. With FibreOP, it doesn't matter if you're in Deer Lake or Beijing, you have the technology to get it done."

As Internet use continues to evolve, more people are using several devices at the same time. FibreOP can easily handle multiple connected devices, large data files and streaming video with Internet download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, and upload speeds as high as 30 Mbps, and with a FibreOP bundle, customers save on the best of everything.

• The FibreOP advantage: A direct fibre-to-the-home connection offers 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 recognized for North American innovation and leadership in FTTH deployment with the FTTXcellence Award.
• Reaching even more communities: FibreOP is available to more than 806,000 homes and businesses in more than 70 communities across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. And we're not done yet. Bell Aliant is on target to reach the one million premises passed 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 and incredible PVR. FibreOP 's suite of apps includes Facebook, Twitter, the Weather Network App, Galaxie and the FibreOP Beam App.

Customers in Newfoundland 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
Bell Aliant Corporate Affairs
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