Latest News

Bell Aliant invests $2 million to connect Woodstock, NB to FibreOP network

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:06:23 -0400

New Brunswick's oldest town gets the newest standard in TV and Internet technology

WOODSTOCK, NB, May 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant is bringing its fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to Woodstock, New Brunswick with a $2-million investment to expand its FibreOP™ services to more than 3,000 homes and businesses in the area.

"New Brunswick's growing knowledge economy is driven by smart infrastructure like FibreOP," said New Brunswick Premier David Alward. "By extending FibreOP's world-class reach to Woodstock, Bell Aliant is bringing local homes and businesses closer to global opportunities, and further positioning New Brunswick among North America's fibre-optic leaders."

Bell Aliant launched its fibre-to-the-home service in Saint John and Fredericton, NB in July 2009. Since that time, the service has expanded to Moncton, Bathurst, and Miramichi.

"With FibreOP, our Woodstock customers not only get the best TV and Internet experience, but also next-generation connectivity for their businesses," said Andre LeBlanc, VP Residential Services, Bell Aliant. "We're proud to offer our New Brunswick customers access to the best products and services on the market via our future-proof FibreOP network."

FibreOP Internet offers the best Internet service, including the fastest speeds with up to 250 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload service. With those speeds and no data caps, it can meet consumer demand for multiple simultaneous users, bandwidth and the ability to share large multimedia files faster than ever before.

FibreOP TV is the best TV service and gives customers the quality they expect - vibrant colours, exceptional imaging with superior HD and the most popular channels. It also offers features not available anywhere else including the Whole Home PVR to record and pause live TV from any room in the home, Ultimate Video-on-Demand and the most HD movies. And FibreOP TV is the only service that offers Bell Aliant's Facebook for TV app.

FibreOP for business is the only 100 per cent fibre-optic network that connects straight to businesses, providing superior speed and reliability so customers can get the most from their work day.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). By the end of 2012, the company will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend fibre-optic technology to approximately 650,000 homes and businesses in its territory. FibreOP builds are complete in Greater Saint John including Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay/Westfield, as well as Bathurst, Fredericton, Miramichi, and Moncton, including Riverview, Dieppe and Shediac. Customers in parts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador also enjoy the new product.

Woodstock customers can pre-register for FibreOP service at www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP, 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.

BCE surpasses 3 million Internet customers

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:06:10 -0400

Investing more than $3 billion a year to roll out new broadband network technology

QUÉBEC CITY, May 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc. today confirmed its position as Canada's largest Internet service provider, announcing that more than 3 million customers now subscribe to Bell Canada and Bell Aliant Internet services in Québec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

"As we mark this latest milestone in our growth as Canada's #1 Internet provider, I would like to congratulate the Bell teams for delivering such high-quality, world-class Internet services," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell and BCE, who announced the news at BCE's annual general shareholders' meeting here in Québec City. "Canadians use the Internet more than anyone else in the world, and we're proud that more Canadians use Bell Canada and Bell Aliant Internet service than any other."

The total will continue to grow in 2012 as Bell companies continue to invest billions in broadband network expansion and enhancement, including Bell Canada's Fibe Internet rollout in Québec City and in other locations across Québec and Ontario, and Bell Aliant's FibreOP launches across its service territory. Together, Bell and Bell Aliant are investing more than $3 billion a year to deliver the world's best broadband communications innovations to Canadians.

Canada #1 in Internet use
Canadians are true world leaders when it comes to the Internet. According to figures released in March 2012 by comScore Inc. (comScore.com), Canada is ranked #1 in the world for time spent online. comScore found Canadians use the Internet for 45.3 hours per month, significantly ahead of second-place finisher the United States at 38.6 hours.

About Bell
Headquartered in Montréal, Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Mobility wireless, Bell Internet high-speed, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

The Bell Mental Health Initiative is a multi-year charitable program that promotes mental health across Canada via the Bell Let's Talk anti-stigma campaign and support for community care, research and workplace best practices. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.

BCE reports 14.1% increase in net earnings to $574 million and 23.4% growth in free cash flow in the first quarter of 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:01:28 -0400

BCE Q1 net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $574 million, up 14.1%; Adjusted net earnings⁽¹⁾ attributable to common shareholders of $580 million, up 6.8%
Cash flows from operating activities up 63.2%, while free cash flow⁽³⁾ increases 23.4%
Bell revenue growth of 11.6% and EBITDA⁽²⁾ growth of 6.6% reflect strong contributions from Bell Wireless and Bell Media
Best Q1 Wireless EBITDA growth in five years at 13.0%; wireless service margin expands to 42.9% on 6% increase in service revenue; Postpaid net activations of 62,576 reflect continued strong smartphone adoption with smartphone users now representing 52% of postpaid subscriber base
Bell Fibe TV net activations of 33,443 bring total Fibe TV subscriber base to 120,000; Bell TV now serves more than 2.1 million customers across Canada
Bell Wireline maintains relatively stable margin of 38.9%in a declining voice revenue environment on reduction in operating costs

This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions please see the section entitled "Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" later in this release.

MONTREAL, May 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company, today reported BCE and Bell results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2012.

BCE reported Q1 net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $574 million, up 14.1% from $503 million last year, and adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $580 million, an increase of 6.8% compared to $543 million in Q1 2011. Earnings per share (EPS) of $0.74 per share and Adjusted EPS⁽¹⁾of $0.75 per share were up 10.4% and 4.2%, respectively, compared to $0.67 and $0.72 per share in Q1 2011.

Bell delivered revenue growth of 11.6%, reflecting significant contributions from Bell Media - formed in April 2011 after Bell acquired CTV - and Bell Wireless, which reported higher service revenues driven by a growing postpaid subscriber base and higher average revenue per user (ARPU). These growth services offset lower wireline revenue, reflecting continued decline in local and long-distance voice services that was nevertheless improved in Q1 over the previous quarter due to improved residential local access line retention and Fibe TV pull-through. Bell EBITDA increased 6.6% in the quarter on the strength of wireless EBITDA growth (up 13%), the positive impact of the CTV acquisition and improved wireline operating costs.

"The Bell team's successful execution of our Strategic Imperatives resulted in solid Q1 financial performance, with significant growth in Bell revenue and EBITDA reflecting especially strong contributions by Bell Wireless and Bell Media," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. "We look forward to welcoming Montreal-based Astral Media to the Bell team later this year as Bell works to expand our media leadership, delivering the best content across the best networks to any broadband screens our customers choose."

"Bell's strategic investments in world-leading network technology and Canada's best content continue to drive steady growth in our Fibe TV and broadband mobile services. In Q1, we increased our smartphone customers and mobile data revenue significantly as we continued to roll out our new 4G LTE mobile network and enhance our industry-leading Bell Mobile TV service. And with next-generation Fibe TV coverage expanded to 2.2 million homes across Québec City, Montréal and Toronto, Fibe TV customer additions more than tripled over last year. The popularity of Fibe TV is improving performance in our other residential services too, as almost 9 out of 10 new Fibe TV customers also chose both Bell Internet and Bell Home Phone," said Mr. Cope.

Bell is committed to achieving a clear goal - to be recognized by customers as Canada's leading communications company - through the execution of 6 Strategic Imperatives: Invest in Broadband Networks and Services, Accelerate Wireless, Leverage Wireline Momentum, Expand Media Leadership, Improve Customer Service, and Achieve a Competitive Cost Structure.

"Our execution in the first quarter demonstrated a solid start to the year, highlighted by strong wireless performance, stabilizing Business Markets performance, continued competitive price discounting in residential wireline, and Media results that delivered a strong contribution to earnings and cash flow. With healthy year-over-year growth in EBITDA, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow in Q1, our 2012 financial plan is on track as we reconfirm today all our Bell and BCE guidance targets for the year," said Siim Vanaselja, Chief Financial Officer for Bell and BCE. "Our continued strong earnings and Free Cash Flow generation provides solid support for BCE's 2012 increased dividend, all underpinned by a sound balance sheet and credit metrics. Additionally, our pending acquisition of Astral, expected to close in the second half of the year, will be EPS and cash flow accretive in 2013 - positioning us well to continue executing on our dividend growth objective going forward."

Bell Fibe growth in Québec City
Québec City - the site of Bell's Annual General Shareholder Meeting being held today - is the focus of a $240 million investment in fibre-to-the-home technology that is bringing the fastest Internet speeds and the best TV service available to residents of Québec's capital. Bell announced yesterday that it will hire an additional 300 new Bell team members in Québec City in the remainder of 2012 to support its ongoing Fibe buildout in the region.

BCE first in Canada to achieve significant Internet milestone of 3 million customers
Building on its position as Canada's largest Internet Service Provider, BCE announced today that Bell and Bell Aliant now serve more than 3 million residential and business Internet customers as of Q1 2012. With more than $3 billion in annual capital investment, Bell companies are bringing the latest-generation fibre optic technology and the fastest Internet speeds to customers in centres across eastern Canada.

Competition Bureau completes review of Bell's acquisition of ownership position in MLSE, confirms it has no plans to challenge
Yesterday, the Competition Bureau confirmed that it has no plans to challenge Bell's acquisition of an ownership position in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), while noting that the Competition Act provides a one-year period following completion of such transactions during which it can bring the matter before the Tribunal. MLSE is Canada's largest sports and entertainment company and owner of the premier professional sports teams in Canada's largest marketplace: The Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies and Toronto FC. On December 9, 2011, Bell announced it had, in a joint ownership arrangement with Rogers Communications Inc. (Rogers), agreed to purchase a net 75% ownership position in MLSE from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board. The acquisition secures on a long-term basis access to TV, mobile, digital online and radio broadcast rights for both Bell and Rogers to MLSE's sports teams. This investment in MLSE accelerates Bell's strategy to deliver Canada's best content across world-leading broadband networks to any screen customers may choose. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2012 following Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and sports league approvals.

Acquisition of Astral Media
In March, BCE announced the acquisition of Montréal-based Astral Media Inc. and its leading specialty and pay television channels, radio stations, digital media properties, and national out-of-home advertising platforms. Expected to close in the second half of 2012, the acquisition will greatly enhance Bell's competitive position in the French-language media market, improve control of content costs, and present new opportunities for cross-platform media and advertising innovation at Bell Media.

NCIB program
On March 12, 2012, BCE completed its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) program, having repurchased and canceled 6,104,905 common shares, at an average price of $40.95 per share, for a total cost of $250 million. Since December 2008, BCE has repurchased more than 62 million shares at an average price of $27.85 per share for a total cost of $1.7 billion.

Bell operational performance
Bell's operating revenues increased 11.6% to $4,333 million in Q1 2012. This was the result of increased revenues from Bell Media, Bell Wireless and Wireline data, which offset declines in local and access, long distance as well as in equipment and other revenues. Bell's EBITDA grew 6.6% this quarter to $1,605 million on strong performance by Bell Wireless and the addition of Bell Media's EBITDA.

Bell Wireless EBITDA in Q1 2012 grew 13.0% to $521 million and its service margin expanded to 42.9% from 40.3% last year, reflecting solid wireless revenue growth of 5.5% to $1,320 million and disciplined control over postpaid subscriber acquisition and customer retention spending. Postpaid net activations totaled 62,576 as smartphone adoption continued to accelerate. Smartphone users represented 52% of total postpaid subscribers at the end of Q1, up from 34% a year earlier. This drove significantly higher wireless data usage year over year with services like Bell Mobile TV, which contributed to strong mobile data revenue growth of 31% and blended ARPU growth of 4.2%. Blended ARPU was $53.84 per month in Q1 2012, up from $51.68 per month in Q1 2011.

Bell Wireline revenue totaled $2,579 million in the quarter, down 3.5% from Q1 2011, while EBITDA decreased 3.9% to $1,003 million, as competitive and wireless substitution pressures continued to affect legacy voice and data services. This was moderated by the solid growth in residential Internet revenue, higher IP broadband connectivity revenues and increased data sales to our business customers. Bell maintained relatively steady wireline margins year over year as a result of our continued focus on managing wireline costs, which improved 3.2%, or $52 million, in the quarter. Bell Fibe TV added 33,443 net new subscribers in Q1 2012, driving a 119% increase in total TV net activations year over year. The activation of new Fibe customers also led to stronger Internet acquisition with 12,393 new Internet customers in the quarter.

Bell Media revenue was $512 million in Q1 2012, driven by advertising sales across its television, radio and digital media properties, as well as subscriber fees paid by broadcast distributors for carrying Bell Media's TV services. Subscriber revenues this quarter reflected higher rates charged to broadcast distributors for carrying leading Bell Media specialty channels, such as TSN and RDS. Bell Media EBITDA in Q1 2012 was $81 million, which included a $23 million non-cash charge to amortize the fair value increment of programming rights recognized on the acquisition of CTV.

Bell invested $680 million in new capital this quarter to support its rapid broadband network infrastructure development, a $165 million increase from Q1 2011. Our investments support the deployment of broadband fibre to residential homes, neighbourhoods and businesses in Québec and Ontario and enhancements to Bell's core wireline broadband network to support the commercial roll-out of Fibe TV and Fibe Internet. Capital investments also increased speed and capacity in our IP backbone network infrastructure, enhanced wireless capacity and enabled the rapid rollout of Bell's 4G LTE mobile network which is now available in 16 urban centres across Canada with deployment to more centres planned for this year.

BCE results
BCE's operating revenue grew 9.9% in Q1 2012, while EBITDA increased 5.1%, mainly as a result of higher revenue at Bell, driven by the acquisition of CTV and improved year-over-year performance at Bell Wireless.

BCE's cash flows from operating activities were $1,198 million in Q1 2012, compared to $734 million in the same period last year due to lower pension contributions at Bell Aliant. Free cash flow available to BCE's common shareholders increased 23.4% to $327 million in Q1 2012. The year-over-year improvement is attributable primarily to higher EBITDA and positive changes in working capital due, in part, to customer rebates paid from Bell's deferral account balance obligation in Q1 2011 that did not occur this year.

BCE's net earnings attributable to common shareholders increased 14.1% in Q1 2012 to $574 million, or $0.74 per share, compared to $503 million, or $0.67 per share, in the same quarter last year. The year-over-year increase in earnings is due primarily to higher EBITDA and lower severance, acquisition and other costs.

BCE's Adjusted EPS was $0.75 per common share in the quarter, compared to $0.72 per common share in the previous year. The 4.2% increase reflects higher EBITDA and a lower statutory tax rate year over year, offset partly by higher depreciation expense, increased interest expense attributable to long-term debt related to the CTV acquisition, and the dilutive impact of BCE common shares issued in relation to the CTV acquisition.

Financial Highlights
($ millions except per share amounts) (unaudited)	Q1 2012	Q1 2011	% change
Bell (i)
Operating Revenues	4,333	3,882	11.6%
EBITDA	1,605	1,505	6.6%
BCE
Operating Revenues	4,909	4,466	9.9%
EBITDA	1,927	1,833	5.1%
Net Earnings Attributable to Common Shareholders	574	503	14.1%
EPS	0.74	0.67	10.4%
Adjusted EPS	0.75	0.72	4.2%
Cash flows from operating activities	1,198	734	63.2%
Free Cash Flow	327	265	23.4%

(i) Bell includes the Bell Wireless, Bell Wireline and Bell Media segments.

Bell Wireless
Bell Wireless' operating performance in Q1 2012 was highlighted by profitable postpaid subscriber growth, as evidenced by higher blended ARPU and disciplined spending on postpaid subscriber acquisition and customer retention, which helped drive double-digit wireless EBITDA growth and a higher margin year over year.

Bell Wireless operating revenues increased 5.5% in the first quarter of 2012 to $1,320 million. Service revenue was up 6.0% to $1,214 million as a result of a larger postpaid subscriber base and growth in wireless data usage. Product revenue decreased 5.1% in the quarter to $94 million mainly as a result of lower volumes.
Blended ARPU was $53.84 per month in Q1 2012, up 4.2% compared to $51.68 per month in Q1 2011. Growth in blended ARPU was primarily the result of increasing data usage which reflects a greater percentage of higher-value postpaid customers using smartphones in our subscriber base. That was partly offset by declining voice ARPU.
Smartphone users represented 52% of total postpaid subscribers at the end of Q1 2012, compared to 34% one year earlier.
Bell Wireless EBITDA reached $521 million in the first quarter, up 13.0%. The increase is mainly attributable to higher wireless operating revenues and cost management as wireless operating costs increased marginally year over year.
EBITDA margin as a percentage of wireless service revenue increased to 42.9% in Q1 2012, from 40.3% in Q1 2011, on solid service revenue growth.
Postpaid gross activations totaled 293,572 this quarter compared to 299,657 in the first quarter of 2011, consistent with our focus on profitable postpaid subscriber growth and increasing our mix of higher-value customers.
Prepaid gross activations decreased 23.8% in Q1 2012 to 94,574, due primarily to our emphasis on postpaid acquisitions as well as competitive acquisition offers from the newer wireless entrants for lower-ARPU subscribers.
Blended churn rate decreased to 1.8% in the quarter compared to 1.9% in Q1 2011 due to a greater percentage of postpaid subscribers in our customer base, year over year, as postpaid service typically has lower churn than prepaid service. Postpaid churn this quarter was stable at 1.4%. Prepaid churn increased to 3.9% from 3.7%, due to a high level of competitive intensity particularly at the low end of the consumer market.
Postpaid net activations totaled 62,576 this quarter, down from 80,648 in Q1 2011, as a result of fewer gross activations.
Prepaid net customer losses increased to 83,903 in Q1 2012, from 75,356 in Q1 2011, as a result of fewer gross activations and higher churn.
The Bell Wireless client base reached 7,406,155 wireless subscribers at the end of Q1 2012, a 2.2% increase over last year.
Bell continued to enhance its 4G HSPA+ network, which now serves more than 97% of the Canadian population, while continuing to roll out its next-generation 4G LTE network, which now serves 16 urban centres in 7 provinces and territories: Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, the Great Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Belleville, Peterborough, Montréal, Québec City and Halifax.
Bell's leadership in 4G mobile devices continues with the announcement of several new smartphones in Q1, including the new Galaxy S II HD LTE, superphone available exclusively from Bell starting today.
Bell Mobility also announced the introduction of Bell PTT, a next-generation push-to-talk service for business customers that takes full advantage of the broader coverage and faster data speeds of Bell's 4G networks.

Bell Wireline
Bell Residential Services experienced growing market traction for Fibe TV in Toronto, Montréal and Québec City, an improving Internet net activations trajectory, and fewer retail residential network access service (NAS) line losses. Richer upfront promotional discounts and retention credits to customers, as well as ongoing legacy voice erosion and re-pricing pressures in our business and wholesale markets contributed to lower overall wireline revenues this quarter. Bell wireline margins remained relatively steady as a result of our continued focus on wireline cost reductions and stabilizing operating performance in our Business Markets unit.

Bell Wireline revenues totaled $2,579 million in this quarter, down 3.5% from Q1 2011. The decline reflects a decrease in local and access, long distance, and equipment and other revenues, partly offset by slightly higher year-over-year data revenues.
Data revenues in Q1 2012 increased 0.2% to $1,418 million, reflecting an improving revenue trend compared to previous quarters in 2011. Beginning in Q1 2012, we began including revenue generated from Bell's TV services in wireline data revenues to align our reporting with that of our Canadian and U.S. industry peers. Prior periods have been restated to make year-over-year comparisons consistent.
Local and access revenues declined 7.0% in Q1 2012 to $678 million. Total NAS at the end of Q1 was 6,005,126, representing a 6.4% decline year over year. This is attributable to competition and a reduction in access lines and digital circuits, as customers continue to adopt wireless and IP-based technologies.
Long distance revenues declined 9.4% to $212 million this quarter.
Equipment and other revenue decreased 12.3% this quarter to $192 million.
Bell Wireline EBITDA was $1,003 million, down 3.9% from the first quarter of 2011 due to lower operating revenues, partly offset by lower operating costs which improved 3.2% in Q1 2012. EBITDA margin was 38.9% this quarter, compared to 39.1% in Q1 2011.
Total TV net activations totaled 17,623 in Q1 2012, up from 8,058 in Q1 2011. TV subscriber acquisition was fueled by increased sales of Fibe TV, which added 33,443 net new customers this quarter, reflecting increasing customer demand as we further expanded our Fibe TV footprint and enhanced our service bundle offers in many urban markets to include Fibe TV and Fibe Internet services. This was moderated by lower satellite TV net activations this quarter, due to roll-outs of IPTV service by other competing service providers, aggressive customer conversion offers from cable competitors, and Bell customer migrations to Fibe TV.
The Bell TV subscriber base totaled 2,111,675 at the end of Q1 2012, representing a 3.3% increase since the end of the first quarter of 2011.
Bell added 12,393 new net high-speed Internet customers in the first quarter of 2012, compared to additions of 13,161 in Q1 2011. The result this quarter represents an improvement over the previous few quarters, reflecting the pull-through effect of Fibe TV customer activations, continued broadband fibre service expansion, as well as fewer business and wholesale customer deactivations.
Residential net losses in the quarter were 71,119, compared to net losses of 64,287 in Q1 2011. Business NAS losses totaled 25,411 in Q1 2012, compared to a net gain of 5,044 in Q1 2011. The results for Q1 2011 reflected the favourable impact of wholesale customer migrations from a competitor via a third-party reseller, which began in Q4 2010 and were completed substantially in Q2 2011. Excluding the impact of this third-party reseller, residential NAS net losses improved 3.4%, year over year, to 66,999 this quarter compared to 69,391 last year, while business NAS losses were 22,700 compared to a loss of 18,303 in Q1 2011.

Bell Media
On April 1, 2011, Bell completed its acquisition of CTV and launched the new Bell Media segment encompassing all CTV and other Bell content assets, including the Sympatico.ca portal.

Bell Media's operating revenue was $512 million this quarter, as advertising revenues were supported by the maintenance of strong audience levels in conventional and specialty TV channels, strong subscriber revenue growth due to higher rates for broadcast distributors carrying leading Bell Media specialty channels such as TSN and RDS, and increasing usage of online video and mobile TV services.
Subscriber revenues in Q1 2012 reflect the implementation of higher rates charged to broadcast distributors for Bell Media specialty sports and non-sports services, as well as continued solid specialty channel and digital results.
Bell Media's EBITDA was $81 million in Q1 2012. A $23 million non-cash charge was recognized in the quarter for the amortization of the fair value increment of certain programming rights acquired as part of the CTV acquisition.
CTV completed the winter ratings season with 13 of the 20 top programs among all viewers, with Big Bang Theory continuing to be the number one performer in Canada.For the spring season to date, CTV held 12 of the 20 top programs among all viewers.
Bell Media specialty channels also continued to ongoing high viewership levels, led by TSN which remains the #1 specialty channel in all key demographics.
CTV's non-sports specialty services maintained strong audience growth, led by double-digit increases for The Comedy Network, Bravo! and CP24.
For the first time in CTV history, a highly-anticipated new series - SMASH - previewed online on CTV.ca and the CTV iPad App prior to the conventional television premiere. Similarly, CTV.ca exclusively presented the first-ever backstage camera at the JUNO Awards.
BNN Mobile Portal, the first of many mobile-optimized sites to be launched throughout Bell Media properties, went live during the quarter.
Bell Media websites streamed more than 186 million video views in the quarter and welcomed 14.7 million unique visitors on average each month, serving up 30 million hours of video and a total of 1.9 billion page views. Page views on CTV.ca grew 6%, with major gains in properties such as TSN.ca and TheComedyNetwork.ca.

Bell Aliant Regional Communications
Bell Aliant's revenues in the first quarter of 2012 remained unchanged at $682 million year over year. Bell Aliant's EBITDA decreased 1.8% to $322 million due mainly to slightly higher operating costs in Q1 2012 compared to the same period last year.

Common Share Dividend
BCE's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5425 per common share, payable on July 15, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2012.

Outlook
BCE confirmed its financial guidance targets for 2012, as provided on February 9, 2012, as follows:


		2012 Guidance Issued February 9, 2012
Bell(i)
Revenue Growth		3% - 5%
EBITDA Growth		2% - 4%
Capital Intensity		≤16%
BCE
Adjusted EPS (ii)		$3.13 - $3.18
Free Cash Flow		$2,350 M - $2,500 M
Common dividend per share		$2.17
Dividend payout ratio (iii)
	- Adjusted EPS	approx. 69%
	- Free Cash Flow	approx. 69%

(i)	Bell's 2012 financial guidance for revenue, EBITDA and capital intensity is exclusive of Bell Aliant.
(ii)	EPS before severance, acquisition and other costs and net gains/losses on investments.
(iii)	Calculated using the mid-point of BCE's 2012 Adjusted EPS and free cash flow guidance ranges.

Call with Financial Analysts
BCE will hold a conference call for financial analysts to discuss first quarter results on Thursday, May 3 at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern). Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To participate, please dial 416-695-7848 or toll-free 1-800-952-6845 shortly before the start of the call. A replay will be available for one week by dialing 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 and entering pass code 4187858#.

There will also be a live audio webcast of the call available on BCE's website at: http://bce.ca/investors/investorevents/all/show/bce-q1-2012-results-conference-call. The mp3 file will be available for download on this page later in the day.

Notes
The information contained in this news release is unaudited.

(1)	The terms Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted EPS do not have any standardized meaning according to IFRS. They are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

	We define Adjusted net earnings as net earnings attributable to common shareholders before severance, acquisition and other costs, and net (gains) losses on investments. We define Adjusted EPS as Adjusted net earnings per BCE common share.

	We use Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted EPS, among other measures, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, and net (gains) losses on investments, net of tax and non-controlling interest. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.

	The most comparable IFRS financial measures are net earnings attributable to common shareholders and EPS. The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to common shareholders and EPS to Adjusted net earnings on a consolidated basis and per BCE common share (Adjusted EPS), respectively.

($ millions except per share amounts)
	Q1 2012		Q1 2011
	TOTAL	PER SHARE	TOTAL	PER SHARE
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders	574	0.74	503	0.67
Severance, acquisition and other costs	14	0.02	40	0.05
Net gains on investments	(8)	(0.01)	-	-
Adjusted net earnings	580	0.75	543	0.72

(2)	The term EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We define EBITDA as operating revenues less operating costs, as shown in BCE's consolidated income statements

	EBITDA for BCE's segments is the same as segment profit as reported in Note 3 to BCE's Q1 2012 consolidated financial statements.

	We use EBITDA to evaluate the performance of our businesses as it reflects their ongoing profitability. We believe that certain investors and analysts use EBITDA to measure a company's ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations or as a common measurement to value companies in the telecommunications industry. EBITDA also is one component in the determination of short-term incentive compensation for all management employees. EBITDA has no directly comparable IFRS financial measure. Alternatively, the following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings to EBITDA.

($ millions)
		Q1 2012	Q1 2011
Net earnings		676	582
Severance, acquisition and other costs		19	61
Depreciation		644	611
Amortization		181	179
Finance costs
	Interest expense	204	191
	Interest on employee benefits obligations	243	242
Expected return on pension plan assets		(267)	(254)
Other expense		20	22
Income taxes		207	199
EBITDA		1,927	1,833

(3)	The term free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning according to IFRS. It is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

	We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities, excluding acquisition costs paid, and dividends/distributions received from Bell Aliant less capital expenditures, preferred share dividends, dividends/distributions paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest and Bell Aliant free cash flow.

	We consider free cash flow to be an important indicator of the financial strength and performance of our business because it shows how much cash is available to repay debt and reinvest in our company. We present free cash flow consistently from period to period, which allows us to compare our financial performance on a consistent basis.

	We believe that certain investors and analysts use free cash flow to value a business and its underlying assets.

	The most comparable IFRS financial measure is cash flows from operating activities. The following table is a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow on a consolidated basis.

($ millions)
	Q1 2012	Q1 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	1,198	734
Bell Aliant dividends/distributions to BCE	48	71
Capital expenditures	(817)	(634)
Dividends paid on preferred shares	(33)	(28)
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest	(79)	(91)
Acquisition costs paid	25	4
Bell Aliant free cash flow	(15)	209
Free cash flow	327	265

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this news release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to our 2012 financial guidance (including revenues, EBITDA, capital intensity, Adjusted EPS, and free cash flow), our business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities, BCE's 2012 annualized common share dividend, targeted dividend payout ratios, the expected timing and completion of, and the benefits expected to result from, BCE Inc.'s (BCE) proposed acquisition of Astral Media Inc. (Astral), the expected contribution of Astral to BCE's earnings and free cash flow, our 4G LTE wireless network deployment plans, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include words such as aim, anticipate, assumption, believe, could, expect, goal, guidance, intend, may, objective, outlook, plan, project, seek, should, strategy, strive, target and will. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at May 3, 2012 and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated by BCE, forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any nonrecurring or other special items or of any dispositions, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or other transactions that may be announced or that may occur after May 3, 2012. The financial impact of these transactions and nonrecurring and other special items can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them. We therefore cannot describe the expected impact in a meaningful way or in the same way we present known risks affecting our business. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating, in particular, to 2012, and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Material Assumptions
A number of economic, market, operational and financial assumptions were made by BCE in preparing its forward-looking statements for 2012 contained in this news release, including, but not limited to:

Economic and Market Assumptions

growth in the Canadian economy of approximately 2.4% in 2012 based on the Bank of Canada's most recent estimate, a 40 basis point increase compared with an earlier estimate of 2.0%;
continued weak product sales, reflecting deferred business customer spending given the slow pace of economic growth;
a softer advertising market expected for Bell Media;
an ongoing intense level of wireline competition in both consumer and business markets;
higher wireline replacement, due primarily to increasing wireless and Internet-based technological substitution; and
wireless industry penetration gain of 4 to 5 basis points in 2012 driven, in particular, by increased competition, the accelerating adoption of smartphones, tablets and data applications, as well as by the introduction of more LTE devices.

Operational Assumptions Concerning Bell Wireline (excluding Bell Aliant)

stabilizing residential NAS line erosion rate as we leverage our broadband investment in IPTV to drive three-product household penetration, increase our MDU market share, and generate higher pull-through attach rates for our residential Internet and home phone services;
in particular, targeted retention and service bundle offers, customer win backs and better service execution to contribute to the improvement in residential NAS line losses year over year, subject to the risk of more aggressive service bundle offers from our cable TV competitors and marketing actions from the newer wireless entrants which could lead to higher residential NAS line losses;
increased subscriber acquisition at Bell TV to be driven by increased customer adoption of Fibe TV, and our ability to seek greater penetration within the MDU market, capitalize on our extensive retail distribution network, which includes The Source, and leverage our market leadership position in high definition programming;
improved subscriber acquisition at Bell Internet to be driven by pull-through from Fibe TV and increased adoption of Fibe Internet packages as we leverage our expanding broadband fibre network to offer higher-speed service to customers in more areas;
increased business customer spending, new business formation and higher demand for connectivity and ICT services, as the economy strengthens and employment rates improve, to result in a gradual improvement in the performance of our Business Markets unit, subject to the risk of business customers adopting more conservative strategies which could result in lower capital spending requirements, deferral of ICT projects and increased NAS erosion;
cost savings and labour efficiency gains to be achieved from a reduced management workforce, lower corporate support group costs, renegotiated contracts with our vendors and outsource suppliers, client care and field service productivity improvements, managing content costs and reducing traffic that is not on our own network;
continued customer migration to IP-based systems and competitive re-price pressures in our business and wholesale markets;
increasing EBITDA contribution from growth services;
approximately 3.3 million Bell Fibe TV-ready households by the end of 2012.

Operational Assumptions Concerning Bell Wireless (excluding Bell Aliant)

Bell Wireless to benefit from the flow-through of significant investments made in 2011 in customer acquisition and retention, along with continued acceleration in smartphone activations and data usage;
incumbents and newer wireless entrants to continue aggressive competition in 2012 and newer wireless entrants to continue enhancing the breadth and reach of their networks, improving their distribution reach and expanding their device portfolios;
wireless revenue growth to be underpinned by ARPU driven by a higher mix of smartphone and higher-value postpaid customers, increased distribution in western Canada, new services, and continued disciplined price management;
Bell Wireless to benefit from ongoing technological improvements by manufacturers in our handset and device lineup and from faster data speeds that are allowing our clients to optimize the use of our services;
Bell Wireless to maintain a reasonable market share of the incumbent wireless postpaid market;
higher subscriber acquisition and customer retention costs, as well as the continued deployment of our wireless LTE network in urban markets while continuing to leverage our wireless HSPA+ network.

Operational Assumptions Concerning Bell Media

building and maintaining strategic supply arrangements for content on four screens, successfully acquiring high-rated programming and differentiated content to execute on Bell's multi-screen content strategy, producing and commissioning high-quality Canadian content, and producing market-leading news;
revenue growth in our sports broadcast operations to be generated primarily by increased subscription revenue;
increased costs to secure content in our sports broadcast operations as we face greater competition from both new and established entrants, and as market rates for specialty content generally increase;
investment in programming and marketing and launch of new services in both English and French for our non-sports specialty services, in combination with ongoing investment in high definition services;
maintaining our strong market position in our radio operations by leveraging strategic investments made in 2011; and
the achievement of productivity gains and other operating efficiencies related to Bell Media integration synergies.

Financial Assumptions Concerning Bell (excluding Bell Aliant) and BCE

Bell's total pension expense to be approximately $90 million, based on an estimated accounting discount rate of 5.1% and an expected return on plan assets of 6.75%, comprised of an estimated above EBITDA current service pension cost of approximately $190 million and an estimated below EBITDA net pension finance return of approximately $100 million;
Bell's total pension plan cash funding to be approximately $375 million;
Bell's cash taxes to be approximately $300 million;
net interest paid to be approximately $675 million;
BCE's total pension expense to be approximately $150 million, including approximately $60 million for Bell Aliant, comprised of an estimated above EBITDA current service pension cost of approximately $250 million and an estimated below EBITDA net pension finance return of approximately $100 million;
depreciation and amortization expense approximately $125 million higher compared to 2011;
severance, acquisition costs and other of approximately $100 million;
an effective tax rate of approximately 23%;
tax adjustments (per share) of approximately $0.10 to $0.15;
the repayment of $500 million of 2012 long-term debt maturities; and
an annual common share dividend of $2.17 per share.

The foregoing assumptions, although considered reasonable by BCE on May 3, 2012, may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from our expectations as set forth in this news release.

Material Risks
Important risk factors that could cause our assumptions and estimates to be inaccurate and actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our forward looking statements, including our 2012 financial guidance, are listed below. The realization of our forward-looking statements, including our ability to meet our 2012 financial guidance, essentially depends on our business performance which, in turn, is subject to many risks. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to:

the intensity of competitive activity, including the increase in wireless competitive activity resulting from Industry Canada's licensing of advanced wireless services (AWS) spectrum to new wireless entrants and their ability to launch or expand services, and the resulting impact on our ability to retain existing customers and attract new ones, as well as on our pricing strategies, average revenue per unit and financial results;
the level of technological substitution contributing to reduced utilization of traditional wireline voice services and the increasing number of households that use only wireless telephone services;
the increased adoption by customers of alternative TV services;
variability in subscriber acquisition and retention costs based on subscriber acquisitions, retention volumes, smartphone sales and subsidy levels;
regulatory initiatives or proceedings, litigation, changes in laws or regulations and tax matters;
general economic and financial market conditions, the level of consumer confidence and spending, and the demand for, and prices of, our products and services;
our ability to implement our strategies and plans in order to produce the expected benefits, including our ability to continue to implement our cost reduction initiatives and contain capital intensity while seeking to improve customer service;
our ability to anticipate and respond to technological change, upgrade our networks and rapidly offer new products and services;
our failure to maintain network operating performance including as a result of the significant increase in broadband demand and in the volume of wireless data driven traffic;
events affecting the functionality of, and our ability to protect, maintain and replace, our networks, equipment, facilities, information technology (IT) systems, software and other assets;
our failure to implement, on a timely basis, or maintain effective IT systems and the complexity and costs of our IT environment;
the complexity of our product offerings and pricing plans;
events affecting the ability of third-party suppliers to provide to us, and our ability to purchase, essential products and services;
the quality of our network and customer equipment and the extent to which they may be subject to manufacturing defects;
ineffective management of changes resulting from restructurings and other corporate initiatives and from the integration of business units and business acquisitions;
increased contributions to employee benefit plans;
labour disruptions;
capital and other expenditure levels, financing and debt requirements and our ability to raise the capital we need to implement our business plan, including for BCE's dividend payments and to fund capital and other expenditures and generally meet our financial obligations;
our ability to discontinue certain traditional services as necessary to improve capital and operating efficiencies;
launch and in-orbit risks of satellites used by Bell ExpressVu Limited Partnership;
the theft of our satellite television services;
Bell Media's significant dependence on continued demand for advertising, and the potential adverse effect thereon from challenging economic conditions, cyclical and seasonal variations and competitive pressures, and on securing commercially favourable distribution arrangements with broadcasting distribution undertakings;
the adverse effect of new technology and increasing fragmentation in Bell Media's television and radio markets;
royalties payable by Bell Media under licences pursuant to the Copyright Act may increase;
health concerns about radio frequency emissions from wireless devices;
our ability to maintain customer service and our networks operational in the event of the occurrence of environmental disasters or epidemics, pandemics and other health risks;
employee retention and performance;
BCE's dependence on the ability of its subsidiaries, joint ventures and other companies in which it has an interest to pay dividends and make other distributions;
there can be no certainty that dividends will be declared by BCE's board of directors or that BCE's dividend policy will be maintained;
stock market volatility;
the expected timing and completion of the proposed acquisition of Astral and of an interest in MLSE are subject to closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, in the case of Astral, court, shareholder and regulatory approvals and, in the case of MLSE, regulatory and sports league approvals;
the benefits expected to result from the proposed acquisition of Astral are subject to the successful and timely integration and consolidation of Astral's operations, procedures and personnel; and
the expectation that Astral's acquisition will be accretive to BCE's earnings and free cash flow is subject to the risks faced by Astral's business, certain of which are described in Astral's MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2011, as updated in Astral's subsequent quarterly MD&As.

We caution that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect our results.

We encourage investors to also read BCE's 2011 Annual MD&A dated March 8, 2012 (included in the BCE 2011 Annual Report) and BCE's 2012 First Quarter MD&A dated May 3, 2012, for additional information with respect to certain of these and other assumptions and risks, filed by BCE with the Canadian securities commissions (available at www.sedar.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov). These documents are also available on BCE's website at www.bce.ca.

About BCE
BCE is Canada's largest communications company, providing a comprehensive and innovative suite of broadband communication services to residential and business customers under the Bell and Bell Aliant brands. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's leading television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca. For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca.

Competition Bureau completes review of Bell's acquisition of ownership position in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), confirms it has no plans to challenge

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:41:32 -0400

CRTC approval also required; transaction expected to close in mid-2012

MONTREAL, May 2, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Competition Bureau confirmed today that it has no plans to challenge Bell's acquisition of an ownership position in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), while noting that the Competition Act provides a one-year period following completion of such transactions during which it can bring the matter before the Tribunal.

MLSE is Canada's largest sports and entertainment company and owner of the premier professional sports teams in Canada's largest marketplace: The Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies and Toronto FC. On December 9, 2011, Bell announced it had, in a joint ownership arrangement with Rogers Communications Inc. (Rogers), agreed to purchase a net 75% ownership position in MLSE from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board. Bell's cash commitment will total $525 million, or $398 million assuming the completion of a leveraged recapitalization of MLSE.

The acquisition secures on a long-term basis access to TV, mobile, digital online and radio broadcast rights for both Bell and Rogers to MLSE's sports teams. Bell's investment in MLSE is part of its strategy to deliver Canada's best content across world-leading broadband networks to any screen customers may choose.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2012 following Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and sports league approvals.

About Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
MLSE is one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Toronto FC (MLS), Air Canada Centre, Maple Leaf Square and three digital channels - Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and GOLTV Canada. MLSE has also invested in four of Toronto's sports facilities - Ricoh Coliseum, home of the Marlies, BMO Field, home of Toronto FC, Lamport Stadium, and the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence, the practice facility for the Maple Leafs and Marlies. MLSE operates and manages events at Ricoh Coliseum and BMO Field.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Mobility wireless, Bell Internet high-speed, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this news release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the proposed acquisition by Bell, in a joint ownership arrangement with Rogers Communications Inc., of a net 75% ownership position in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) from Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board, the expected closing date of the transaction, certain strategic benefits expected to result from the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed transaction referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The timing and completion of the above-mentioned proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, required CRTC and sports league approvals. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the timetable or on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The proposed transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the strategic benefits expected to result from the transaction will be fully realized.

Bell to hire 300 more people in Québec City this year as Fibe rollout continues

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:01:43 -0400

Investment of $240 million in next-generation fibre optic network brings best TV service and fastest Internet speeds to Québec's capital

QUÉBEC CITY, May 2, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced it will hire approximately 300 more technicians and other skilled workers in Québec City in the remainder of 2012 to support Bell's rollout of leading-edge fibre optic communications services directly to homes and businesses across Québec's capital.

The 300 new hires to come in 2012 will approximately double the number of new jobs Bell has created in Québec City in the last year. Bell's $240-million fibre project here is the largest of its kind anywhere in Canada, supporting enhanced competition and customer choice with the latest broadband Fibe TV, Internet and Home Phone services.

"As a Québec company, Bell is very proud to deliver the broadband networks that ensure Québec City is one of the most connected capital cities anywhere in the world," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. "Bell fibre optic technology delivers the best TV service, the best Internet experience and the best connectivity options for our business and government clients across the region."

Bell also announced today that, on Sunday, Bell Fibe customers in Québec City will begin receiving enhanced Internet speeds of up to 175 Megabits per (Mbps) for both uploads and downloads. This unique synchronous connectivity offers Fibe customers here the fastest total Internet speeds available - enabling them for example to download a 1 Gigabyte HD movie in 45 seconds, compared to about 27 minutes with 5 Mbps Internet service, or upload such large files just as quickly.

With capital investments of more than $3 billion each year, Bell spends more on new fibre and wireless network infrastructure and R&D than any other communications provider in Québec or across Canada. Bell is rapidly deploying new fibre in urban centres like Québec City, in all new condominium and apartment developments in Québec and Ontario, and in many other locations across eastern Canada.

"Bell certainly plays the leading role in Québec technology innovation, reflecting our desire and unique ability to bring to Québec the world's best," said Martine Turcotte, Bell's Vice Chair, Québec. "Bell is Québec's largest communications provider, and with more than 17,000 Québec team members we are one of the largest private-sector employers of any kind. Each year in Québec, Bell buys close to $2 billion in goods and services and invests more than $900 million in new capital - including more than a quarter of a billion dollars spent on R&D. Bell is Québec's technology champion, and our customers see the benefit in the highest-speed Internet, the best TV service, and world-class mobile superphones and services like Bell Mobile TV."

To learn more about a career with Bell, please visit Bell.ca/Jobs_at_Bell.

The Bell Fibe experience
Bell Fibe is now available in Québec City downtown, Beauport, Cap Rouge, Charlesbourg, Loretteville and St-Augustin. Other locations such as Lévis, Charny, St-Nicolas and St-Romuald are being connected to the Fibe network with full coverage to be completed before the end of 2012.

Bell Fibe Internet offers Bell customers in Québec City the fastest Internet access, with download and upload speeds of up to 175 Mbps. Customers can surf the Internet, share photos and videos, download music or work with business applications faster than with any other provider - and they can get a home wireless network at no charge too.

Bell Fibe TV offers the best television experience available with exceptional HD image quality, complete On Demand service, direct access to social media applications such as Facebook® and Twitter®, and the exclusive Whole Home PVR. The world's most innovative TV technology, and available in Québec only from Bell, Whole Home PVR allows you to set, manage and play back recordings from any TV in your home, and to pause and rewind live TV from any TV in your home.

Bell Aliant reports first quarter 2012 results

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:16:16 -0400

Q1 2012 results reflect continued improved financial trends
Over 500,000 premises in Atlantic Canada now have access to FibreOP^TMservices

This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions please see the section entitled "Forward-looking Information" later in this release.

HALIFAX, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2012 for Bell Aliant Inc. (Bell Aliant) and Bell Aliant Regional Communications Inc. (Bell Aliant GP).

"Returning to revenue growth is a momentous occasion for Bell Aliant and in the first quarter of 2012 we turned a corner," said Karen Sheriff, president and chief executive officer, Bell Aliant. "We expected the quarter to show improved financial trends and the business has delivered.

"Declines in our traditional local and long distance revenues were offset by increases in every other major revenue category. While timing of certain events may result in future quarters of 2012 having softer year-over-year comparators than the first quarter, we are very pleased that signs of future growth are occurring in many areas of the business. We are very well positioned to achieve solid financial results with improving trends in 2012, in line with the guidance ranges we set out in February.

"FibreOP is playing a key role in the turnaround, with our first quarter results particularly strong in FibreOP territories. Over 500,000 premises in Atlantic Canada now have access to FibreOP services. Demand is escalating as we add new features and expand into more markets and later this year we will launch FibreOP in Sudbury, Ontario. FibreOP is making the difference that we expected and I am confident that we have chosen the right strategy for the long-term profitability of our business."

First quarter 2012 highlights¹

Bell Aliant Inc. reported net earnings of $87 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $84 million in the same quarter of 2011. Earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share in the quarter were $0.38 and $0.45 respectively, compared to $0.37 and $0.44 in the same quarter of 2011. First quarter 2011 earnings included a $3 million loss from discontinued operations that did not recur in 2012.

First quarter financial highlights of Bell Aliant GP are summarized as follows:

(In millions of dollars) (unaudited)	Q1 2012	Q1 2011	Percentage Change
Operating Revenue	$682	$682	0.0%
EBITDA	325	329	(1.2%)
Capital Expenditures	137	120	14.6%
Free Cash Flow*	80	88	(9.4%)

* Q1 2011 free cash flow excludes a $200 million lump sum contribution to defined benefit pension plans.

Operating revenues in the first quarter of 2012 were $682 million, consistent with revenues in the same quarter of 2011. Declines in local and long distance revenues as a result of lower network access services (NAS) were offset by growth in all other major revenue categories, led by Internet and TV.

Operating expenses in the first quarter of 2012 increased $4 million (1.2 per cent) compared to the same quarter of 2011. Growth in TV content costs from higher FibreOP TV sales and other costs of revenues were largely offset by productivity gains throughout the business. As a result of the expense increases, EBITDA declined $4 million (1.2 per cent) in the first quarter of 2012 from the same quarter in 2011.

Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2012 increased $17 million (14.6 per cent) from the same quarter a year earlier, as a result of further expansion of the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network. Start-up costs associated with launching FTTH in Bell Aliant's central Canada territory, passing more homes, and connecting more customers to the FTTH network than the same quarter in 2011 all contributed to the increase in capital expenditures. In the first quarter of 2012, Bell Aliant passed an additional 58,000 homes and businesses with FTTH, bringing its total FTTH coverage to 516,000 premises at the end of March 2012.

Free cash flow was $80 million in the first quarter of 2012, down $8 million from the same quarter a year earlier, excluding a $200 million lump sum contribution to pension plans made in the first quarter of 2011. The decrease was primarily a result of higher capital spending in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 2011, which was partially offset by lower regular pension funding in 2012.

Revenue Details

Local service and long distance revenues declined $14 million (4.6 per cent) and $9 million (9.9 per cent), respectively, in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter in 2011. NAS were down 5.4 per cent at the end of March 2012 from a year earlier, driven by competitive activity and technology substitution. Residential net NAS declines of 26,000 in the first quarter of 2012 improved from 29,000 in the first quarter of 2011. Business net NAS declines increased to 9,000 in the first quarter of 2012 from 4,000 in the same quarter of 2011, as a result of timing of wholesale and enterprise contract losses as well as continued competitive activity and rationalization of business lines, including movement to other technologies.

Internet revenue increased $9 million (7.5 per cent) in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Residential high-speed average revenue per customer (ARPC) continued to grow, with customer adoption of additional services, along with the carry-over effects of pricing actions from 2011. Residential high-speed ARPC in the first quarter of 2012 was up 7.7 per cent from the same quarter a year earlier.

High-speed Internet customers reached 902,000 at the end of March 2012, up 2.8 per cent from a year earlier. FibreOP Internet customers grew by 13,000 in the quarter to reach 59,000 at the end of March 2012. The majority of the FibreOP net adds were customers migrating from DSL and fibre-to-the-node networks, which would not have contributed to overall high-speed customer growth but increasingly contribute to improved customer retention and growth in overall customer ARPC. Overall net high-speed Internet customer additions of 6,400 in the first quarter of 2012 were down from 8,500 in the first quarter of 2011, reflecting this migration, lower high-speed Internet footprint expansion and continued competitive activity.

IPTV revenue reached $17 million in the first quarter of 2012 with total IPTV customers of 85,000 at the end of March 2012. FibreOP TV customers grew by 11,000 in the quarter to reach 52,000, a portion of which were migrations from Bell Aliant TV. Overall net IPTV customer additions were 8,000 in the first quarter of 2012, up from 4,000 in the same quarter of 2011.

Other data revenue grew $2 million (2.1 per cent) in the first quarter of 2012 from the same quarter a year earlier, continuing the improved trends of recent quarters as a result of data demand growth.

Wireless revenues were up $3 million (13.3 per cent) driven by 8.9 per cent customer growth and 4.1 per cent wireless ARPC growth compared to a year ago as customers subscribe to higher value plans. Other revenues also increased $3 million (6.8 per cent) in the first quarter compared to a year ago, driven by higher product sales and increased pole attachment fees.

Declared Dividends

Bell Aliant's Board of Directors today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4750 per common share, payable on June 29, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2012.

Bell Aliant Preferred Equity Inc. today declared a dividend on its Series A Preferred Shares of $0.303125 per share and a dividend on its Series C Preferred Shares of $0.284375 per share to be paid on June 29, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2012.

Unless otherwise stated, dividends paid by Bell Aliant and Bell Aliant Preferred Equity Inc. to Canadian residents are "eligible dividends" as defined by the Canadian Income Tax Act and corresponding provincial legislation.

Additional Information

More information on Bell Aliant's and Bell Aliant GP's first quarter 2012 results can be found in Bell Aliant's first quarter 2012 supplementary information package and Bell Aliant GP's first quarter 2012 MD&A, available at www.bellaliant.ca/investors.

Analyst Conference Call

A conference call with the financial community is scheduled for April 25, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The dial-in numbers are 866-226-1792 and 416-340-2216 for Toronto area participants. Media are invited to attend in listen-only mode. A replay of the session can be heard until May 23, 2012. To access the replay, dial 800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451 and enter the passcode 4028630.

A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed on www.bellaliant.ca under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the conference call will be available on the website for one year.

______________________________
¹See Notes section at the end of this release for definitions of the non-International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) financial metrics including EBITDA, free cash flow and adjusted earnings per share.

Notes

The information contained in this news release is unaudited.

(1)	Bell Aliant derives virtually all of its income from its ownership in Bell Aliant GP. Bell Aliant GP's results consolidate the results of Bell Aliant Regional Communications, Limited Partnership; Télébec, Limited Partnership; NorthernTel, Limited Partnership; and Bell Aliant Preferred Equity Inc.

(2)	Percentage changes quoted in this release related to dollar values are based on amounts rounded to the nearest hundred-thousand, consistent with disclosure in Bell Aliant's supplementary information package and Bell Aliant GP's MD&As for the first quarter of 2012. Dollar values quoted in this release are rounded to the nearest million unless otherwise stated.

(3)	Definitions of non-IFRS measures:

	a.	EBITDA: Bell Aliant defines EBITDA as operating revenue less operating expenses (operating income) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, severance and other charges.

	b.	Free cash flow: Bell Aliant defines free cash flow as cash generated from operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow includes the operations of Bell Aliant and Bell Aliant GP on a combined basis.

	c.	Adjusted earnings per share: Bell Aliant defines adjusted earnings per share as fully diluted earnings per share adjusted for the after-tax per share impact of amortizing purchase price allocations (amounts which represent the adjustments to historical cost of tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combinations).

For a reconciliation of these non-IFRS measures to the most closely comparable IFRS measures, please refer to Bell Aliant GP's MD&A for the first quarter of 2012 available at www.bellaliant.ca/investors and www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances or expectations, in particular statements concerning FTTH expansion plans and the financial outlook for the coming quarters of 2012. Unless otherwise indicated, such forward-looking statements describe management's expectations at April 25, 2012. These statements are based on management's beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to assumptions which may prove to be inaccurate and numerous risks and uncertainties which are difficult to predict.

Bell Aliant encourages investors to review the risk factors section below, and related disclosures, for a discussion of the various factors that could cause actual results to differ from what is currently expected.

Risk Factors
There are many factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from current expectations. The most significant factors that Bell Aliant has identified that may affect Bell Aliant's results or events in 2012 include but are not limited to: increasing competition; management's ability to achieve strategies and plans, including expansion of our FTTH network and managing the cost structure; general economic conditions; pension valuation and investment risk; reliance on systems; changing technology; demand for our products and services; our business relationship with BCE Inc. (BCE) and Bell Canada; changing regulations; dependence on key suppliers; maintenance of credit ratings; leverage and restrictive covenants; BCE's governance rights; reliance on key personnel and labour relations; legal contingencies and changes in laws; and tax related risks. Some of these risk factors are largely beyond Bell Aliant's control. For additional information on material factors and assumptions used to develop forward-looking information and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information, see also the "Risks that could affect our business and results" section of Bell Aliant Inc.'s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the "Assumptions made in the preparation of forward-looking information" and "Risks that could affect our business and results" sections of Bell Aliant GP's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2011, as updated by their first quarter 2012 MD&As, as well as the "Risk Factors" sections of Bell Aliant Inc.'s and Bell Aliant GP's 2011 Annual Information Forms. These documents are available at www.bellaliant.ca and www.sedar.com.

Should any risk factor affect Bell Aliant in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking information does not take into account the effect that transactions, or non-recurring or other special items, announced or occurring after this information is provided, may have on the business. All of the forward-looking information reflected in this press release and the documents referred to within it are qualified by these cautionary statements. There can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by Bell Aliant will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences for Bell Aliant.

Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, Bell Aliant disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events or for any other reason. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to fiscal 2012 or other future periods. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

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 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.

Sonim XP5520 BOLT launches exclusively on Bell's next generation PTT network

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:41:16 -0400

TORONTO, April 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Sonim Technologies, the makers of the world's toughest phones, and Bell today announced the exclusive Canadian availability of the ultra-rugged Sonim XP5520 BOLT on Bell Mobility's new Push- to-talk (PTT) network. The Sonim XP5520 BOLT is specifically designed to meet the communications needs of those working in the most challenging environments including construction, oil and gas, transportation, security, facilities management and utilities.

"The Sonim XP5520 BOLT with Bell PTT is the perfect device to face the rigors of Canada's most challenging work environments," said Bob Plaschke, CEO of Sonim Technologies. "With industry-leading coverage and Push-to-talk performance, faster data speeds and lower total cost of ownership, the easy-to-use Sonim XP5520 BOLT on Bell PTT is designed to keep workers safe, connected and focussed on their task at hand."

The Sonim XP5520 BOLT is built on the same ultra-rugged platform that holds the Guinness World Record for the toughest phone. Way beyond military MIL-SPEC standards, the XP5520 BOLT is fully submersible to 2 meters under water, specified to handle 2 meter drops onto concrete, resistant to extreme temperatures, has a screen protected by impact and scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass and is completely dust proof.

The XP5520 BOLT enables calls under the worst conditions. The phone features strong antenna performance, extended talk time of 12 hours, active noise cancelation and enhanced audio with a 23mm speaker protected by a GORE™ Protective Vent. Superior worker safety is also provided by enterprise-class GPS, navigation by Telenav, and a bright LED torch light, doubling as a flash for the 2 MP camera with video capture.

"Bell PTT is the next generation of Push-to-talk and we are proud to introduce this world-leading network and devices like the Sonim XP5520 BOLT to Canada," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility. "Coupled with Bell PTT coverage nearly twice that of competing services and faster PTT data speeds than any before, the unbeatable durability and rugged performance of the Sonim XP5520 BOLT means instant communication just got better."

The XP5520 BOLT on Bell PTT supports instant calling with individuals and groups at a push of a dedicated button. Leveraging the coverage, quality and speed of Bell's HSPA+ network, PTT calls have extremely fast set-up time.

Bell PTT service is powered by Kodiak Networks' InstaPoC™ PTT Solution running on their RTXi™ network platform. Kodiak InstaPoC is the first PTT solution to use the global OMA PoC version 2.0 standard. Sonim and Kodiak have collaborated closely on the XP5520 BOLT handset PTT solution.

No technical standard fully captures the endurance of the Sonim XP5520 BOLT - so Sonim tests to its own stringent Rugged Performance Standards that can be found at http://www.sonimtech.ca/rps.php.

The XP5520 BOLT is backed by Sonim's industry-leading 3-Year Comprehensive Warranty, that even covers accidental damage.

The Sonim XP5520 BOLT is available today exclusively on Bell PTT for $99.95 on a three-year term or $399.95 with no term. For more information, please visit www.sonimtech.ca or Bell.ca/Sonim.

For details on Bell PTT, please visit Bell.ca/PTT.

ABOUT SONIM TECHNOLOGIES
Sonim Technologies (www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of ultra-rugged, water-submersible mobile phones designed specifically for workers in challenging outdoor and industrial environments. Sonim's industry-leading three-year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. Sonim provides a suite of high-performance workforce management solutions that keep workers safe and enhance their productivity, including push-to-talk, lone worker safety services and NFC proof-of-activity services. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California and offers its products in over 50 countries.

ABOUT BELL
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.

Image with caption: "The world's toughest phone, the Sonim XP5520 BOLT with Bell PTT launched today exclusively from Bell Mobility (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120424_C8406_PHOTO_EN_12660.jpg

Bell launches next-generation mobile Push-to-talk service today

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:36:27 -0400

Bell PTT offers faster data speeds and broader coverage than competing services
PTT devices include the exclusive Sonim XP5520 BOLT, the world's toughest phone

MONTREAL, April 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today launched Bell PTT, the next generation in instant Push-to-talk (PTT) communications. Providing instant contact capability for business customers of all kinds, Bell PTT is North America's first push-to-talk solution leveraging the high-speed data and broad coverage benefits of 4G wireless.

"Bell is proud to be first to introduce the next generation of Push-to-talk service to Canadian business customers. Combining fast data speeds, coverage for 97% of the Canadian population and the latest Push-to-talk phones and features, Bell PTT is a powerful and innovative communications service built to serve in the most demanding business environments now and into the future," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility. "With the advanced 4G network capabilities offered by Bell PTT, instant communications just got better."

Canadian industries of all kinds make extensive use of instant-contact PTT services, including transportation, construction, oil and gas, mining, security and a range of other vertical markets. Offering instant communications at the press of a button with one or up to 100 other users, Bell PTT offers a range of advanced communications features, extensive Canadian coverage and US roaming, data speeds of up to 21 Megabits per second, and new cloud services such as Contact Administrative Tool (CAT) that enables business to update and manage their contact lists through an online portal.

Bell PTT is available now on multiple devices, including the BlackBerry® Curve™ 9360 smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S II™ 4G superphone, and the ultra-rugged Sonim XP5520 BOLT from Sonim Technologies. Sonim (SonimTech.com) builds the world's toughest phones, specifically designed for workers in heavy industry, utilities, construction, security and other challenging work environments.

A range of dedicated Bell PTT rate plans are available, including an introductory promotion offering Push-to-talk access across Canada for $30 per month. Bell Mobility customers with a capable device can add PTT for just $15 per month. To learn more about Bell PTT, please visit Bell.ca/PTT

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

Bell Aliant FibreOP setting the pace: Future-proof network delivers fastest Internet speeds

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:51:21 -0400

HALIFAX, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant announces another innovation with its future proof fibre-to-the-home network, FibreOP, increasing its fastest download speed to up to 250 Mbps - the fastest Internet speeds in Atlantic Canada.

FibreOP's fibre-to-the-home technology is perfectly suited to meet customer demand for bandwidth and speed today and in the future.

"Today's consumers are more connected than ever and are demanding more bandwidth and speed to get the most out of their Internet experience," said Dan McKeen, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions, Bell Aliant. "Our FibreOP network is doing what we built it to do - adapt to consumer demand and deliver the most advanced and innovative TV and Internet services in the market."

Bell Aliant has achieved many Atlantic Canadian innovations with its state-of-the-art FibreOP network. The company was the first to bring social TV to Atlantic Canadians with its popular Facebook for FibreOP TV app. In 2009, Bell Aliant became the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home technology. And by the end of 2012, will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend FibreOP to approximately 650,000 homes and businesses in its territory. In 2012, Bell Aliant continued to expand its FibreOP footprint, and has recently begun builds in Sussex, New Brunswick; Yarmouth and Bridgwater, Nova Scotia; and Sudbury, Ontario. Additional community launches are planned throughout 2012.

Bell Aliant FibreOP is the only 100 per cent fibre optic network to connect straight to homes and businesses, with download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. With that speed and no data caps, even multiple simultaneous users can download and share large multimedia files faster than ever before.

Customers can get more information about FibreOP service at www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP or by calling 1-866-FIBREOP.

Bell to be exclusive Canadian carrier of the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE superphone

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:16:31 -0400

Newest device in Samsung's best-selling Galaxy S II series is the first and only to feature powerful dual-core processing, next-gen 4G LTE network speeds and a stunning HD display

MONTREAL, April 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell and Samsung today announced the upcoming exclusive launch of the new Galaxy S II HD LTE superphone - the only Galaxy S II device to feature dual-core processing, 4G LTE and an HD display.

"Offering customers the hottest superphones like the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE supports Bell's commitment to deliver the best mobile devices across world-leading next-generation broadband networks," said Adel Bazerghi, Senior Vice President of Products at Bell Mobility. "The Galaxy S II has proven to be one of the most popular devices available anywhere. With the addition of a crystal clear HD Super AMOLED display and blazing fast 4G LTE, this already amazing superphone just got better."

"The Samsung Galaxy S II has seen tremendous sales success worldwide, selling over 10 million units in 10 months," said Paul Brannen, Vice President, Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics Canada. "We are thrilled that Bell customers will soon be able to experience the power of HD LTE on the best-selling Samsung Galaxy S II."

Leveraging Bell's next-generation 4G LTE network, the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE offers superior web browsing, downloading, file sharing and high-quality video streaming. When outside 4G LTE coverage areas, the Galaxy S II HD LTE switches automatically and seamlessly to the fastest available HSPA+ network speeds.

Please visit Bell.ca/Coverage for detailed information about Bell's network service areas.

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE brings videos to life in stunning 1080p HD quality thanks to its 4.65" (118mm) HD Super AMOLED display. And 26 live channels, the best live sports, and an extensive library of on-demand content on the industry-leading Bell Mobile TV service, customers can also have instant access to their favourite programming.

The Galaxy S II HD LTE is upgradeable to Android 4.0. This update will be available in coming months.

Ready for business, the Galaxy S II HD LTE supports e-mail, contact and calendar synchronization alongside state-of-the-art security features including IP-based encryption for safe mobile access to critical assets.

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE includes:

Fast network access; 4G LTE, HSPA+ 42 Mbps, EDGE/GPRS quad band
Best in class display: 4.65" (118mm) HD Super AMOLEDscreen, optimized HD interface, and HD content support
Powerful performance: 1.5 GHz dual core processor and 4G LTE download speeds, 1850mAH Li-ion battery, Android 2.3 OS, WiFi and Bluetooth capable
Form factor: 9.27mm thin
Memory: 1GB RAM; 16GB (eMMC); micro SD slot (up to 32 GB)
Camera: 8 MP AF rear camera; full HD 1080p video recording; 2 MP front camera
Browser: Android Browser: HTML 5.0

The Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE will be available exclusively from Bell in coming weeks. For more information and to pre-register, please visit Bell.ca/GalaxyS2HDLTE.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

Image with caption: "Bell today announced that it will be the exclusive Canadian carrier of Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE superphone (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120418_C6680_PHOTO_EN_12455.jpg

Bell’s Let’s Talk Initiative Makes a Major Donation to the Fondation Cité de la Santé

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:12:54 -0400

Bell’s Let’s Talk Initiative Makes a Major Donation to the Fondation Cité de la Santé

LAVAL, April 5, 2012 – At the Gala de la Santé, with a number of dignitaries in attendance, Bell announced a $200,000 donation to the Fondation Cité de la Santé. The donation is a contribution going towards their major fundraising campaign.

The full amount of the donation will be invested in the mental health department at the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Laval.

As part of the Bell Let’s Talk Initiative, Bell will donate $200,000 over four years to the Fondation Cité de la Santé to support the development of mental health care and services for the Laval area program to prevent and treat anxiety among children and adolescents.

“We are delighted with Bell’s support for the cause of mental health,” said François Gagnon, interim chair of the board of directors of the Fondation Cité de la Santé. “Bell’s commitment will have a positive impact not only on the care offered, but also on the quality of life of younger patients suffering from anxiety.”

“Anxiety disorders are a growing problem among Québec youth, and too often they go undetected,” said Martine Turcotte, Bell’s Vice-Chair, Québec. “Bell is delighted to support the Fondation de la Cité de la Santé to get a project off the ground that will help young Laval citizens and their parents understand the sources of anxiety, put in place coping strategies to better prevent stressful situations and prepare to face such situations.”

About Fondation Cité de la Santé
Founded in 1980, the Fondation Cité de la Santé’s mission is to improve the quality of care and services available to patients at the Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé and the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Laval. Through the acquisition of high-tech medical equipment, the Fondation Cité de la Santé strives to improve the quality of care and services available to patients at the Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé and the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Laval. It also strives to encourage learning in the field of health, support research into general and specialized care and make a major contribution to the improvement of patients’ quality of life.

About the Bell Let’s Talk Initiative
Bell’s national mental health initiative Let’s Talk is a five-year $50-million charitable program based on four priorities for intervention: fighting stigmatization, access to care, research and best practices in the workplace. To learn more, visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

About Bell
Headquartered in Montréal, Bell is Canada’s largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communication needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada’s #1 television network, and the country’s most-watched specialty channels.

Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For information about BCE, please visit BCE.ca.

Information:

Hugo Tellier
Fondation Cité de la Santé, Senior Public Relations Coordinator
450 975-5396
>htellier.csssl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Marie-Ève Francœur
Bell, Media Relations
514 391-5263
marie-eve.francoeur@bell.ca
@Bell_News

Bell Aliant invests $2 million to bring FibreOP TV and Internet to Sussex, NB

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:06:23 -0400

FibreOP offers Sussex customers fastest Internet download speeds of up to 250 Mbps

SUSSEX, NB, April 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant is bringing its fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to Sussex, New Brunswick, investing $2 million to expand its FibreOP™ services to 3,000 homes and businesses in the area.

"Access to the FibreOP network represents a tremendous growth opportunity for Sussex, and has huge potential to connect businesses and families," said Andre LeBlanc, VP Residential Product, Bell Aliant. "We are excited to continue our expansion in New Brunswick, and to offer the best TV and Internet to our customers in the Sussex area."

FibreOP Internet offers the best Internet, including the fastest speeds with up to up to 250 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload service. With these speeds and no data caps, even multiple simultaneous users can download and share large multimedia files faster than ever before.

FibreOP TV is the best TV service and gives you everything you expect - amazing picture quality and the most popular channels, plus features not available anywhere else. The Whole Home PVR is the only PVR that lets you record and pause live TV from any room in the home. It also includes superior HD and Ultimate Video-on-Demand, with the most HD movies and most popular HD TV shows. FibreOP TV is the only service that allows customers to watch TV while using Facebook to view feeds and albums, and to rate and comment on their favourite TV shows.

FibreOP for business is the only 100 per cent fibre optic network that connects straight to your business, providing superior speed and reliability so business customers can get the most out of their work day.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home and by the end of 2012, will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend it to approximately 650,000 homes and businesses in its territory. FibreOP builds are complete in Greater Saint John including Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay/Westfield, as well as Bathurst, Fredericton, Miramichi, and Moncton, including Riverview, Dieppe and Shediac. Customers in parts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador also enjoy the new product.

Sussex customers can pre-register for FibreOP service at www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP, or call 1-866-FIBREOP (1-866-342-7367) to be notified when service is available in their area.

BCE Q1 results conference call scheduled for May 3, 2012

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:01:19 -0400

MONTREAL, March 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE) will hold its first quarter 2012 results conference call with the financial community on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Participants will include George Cope, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Siim Vanaselja, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis.

To participate, please dial toll-free 1-800-952-6845 or 416-695-7848. A replay will be available for one week by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451 and entering pass code 4187858#.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on BCE's website at:
http://bce.ca/investors/investorevents/all/show/bce-q1-2012-results-conference-call

About BCE
BCE is Canada's largest communications company, providing a comprehensive and innovative suite of broadband communication services to residential and business customers under the Bell and Bell Aliant brands. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca. For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca.

Bell Aliant invests $2.6 million to bring FibreOP TV and Internet to Yarmouth

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:21:19 -0400

Future-proof network reaches download speeds of 250 Mbps

YARMOUTH, NS, March 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant is bringing its fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, investing $2.6 million to expand its FibreOP™ services to 5,000 homes and businesses in the area.

"FibreOP is the only 100 per cent fibre optic network that goes straight to a customer's home and delivers up to 250 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload - the fastest download and upload Internet speeds available in the market today," said Andre LeBlanc, VP Residential Product, Bell Aliant. "We are excited to offer our Yarmouth area customers the FibreOP experience - it is truly changing how customers connect, communicate and watch TV."

"The arrival of Bell Aliant's FibreOP network is a real win for the Town of Yarmouth," said Phil Mooney, Mayor of Yarmouth. "This state-of-the-art network will connect our innovative people and businesses with leading technologies -- and the result will be positive momentum and success."

FibreOP Internet offers the best Internet, including the fastest speeds with 250 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload service. With these speeds and no data caps, even multiple simultaneous users can download and share large multimedia files faster than ever before.

FibreOP is the only 100 per cent fibre optic network that connects straight to your business, providing superior speed and reliability so business customers can get the most out of their work day.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home and by the end of 2012, will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend it to approximately 650,000 homes and businesses in its territory. FibreOP expansions continue in Halifax Regional Municipality and Bridgewater, and builds are complete in New Glasgow, Wolfville, Windsor, Kentville, Truro, Sydney, Sydney River, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Glace Bay and New Waterford. Customers in parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador also enjoy the new product.

Yarmouth customers can pre-register for FibreOP service at www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP, or call 1-866-(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 of customer service, choice and convenience.

Bell Aliant Q1 2012 results call scheduled for April 25, 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:41:13 -0400

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

HALIFAX, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) will issue its first quarter 2012 results on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed on www.bellaliant.ca by following the links under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the conference call will be available on the website for one year.

About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant Inc. (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 of customer service, choice and convenience. For more information, visit www.bellaliant.ca.

Media Advisory: Bell and Astral making joint announcement

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:36:06 -0400

MONTREAL, March 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ -

WHAT:			Bell to acquire Québec's leading media company Astral Media Inc.


WHO:			George Cope, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bell and BCE Ian Greenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Astral Media Inc. Martine Turcotte, Vice Chair, Québec, Bell

WHEN:			Friday, March 16, 2012, 9:45 a.m.

WHERE:			Maison Astral, 1800 McGill College, 16^th Floor, Montréal

			This announcement will be live streamed at Bce.ca

Bell to acquire Québec's leading media company Astral

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:31:08 -0400

$3.38-billion transaction establishes Bell as the leader in French-language media
Astral's broad national media portfolio includes top-tier TV, radio, digital and out-of-home properties
Supports Bell strategy to deliver the best content across every broadband screen in Québec
Astral President & CEO Ian Greenberg to join the BCE Board of Directors at closing

MONTREAL, March 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc. (Bell) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Montréal-based Astral Media Inc. (Astral) and its leading specialty and pay television channels, radio stations, digital media properties and out-of-home advertising platforms in Québec and across the rest of Canada. Greatly strengthening Bell's competitive position in the important Québec media marketplace, this transaction directly supports Bell's strategy of investment and innovation in broadband networks and content.

Bell will acquire all Class A Non-Voting Shares of Astral for $50 per share, representing a premium of 39% based on Astral's volume-weighted average closing share price on the TSX for the last five trading days, for a total consideration of approximately $2.8 billion. Bell will also acquire all Class B Subordinate Voting Shares for $54.83 per share, for a total consideration of approximately $151 million, and all Special Shares for a total consideration of $50 million.

The transaction is valued at approximately $3.38 billion, including net debt of $380 million, and will be funded with a combination of cash (approximately 75% of the equity purchase price) and BCE common equity (approximately 25% or $750 million), with Bell retaining the right to replace shares with cash, in whole or in part, at closing. The enterprise value represents an approximate multiple of 10x estimated 2012 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization), consistent with similar recent media industry transactions including Bell's acquisition of CTV in 2011. The acquisition will be immediately earnings and free cash flow per share accretive, supporting both Bell's heavy capital investment in broadband network development, especially in Québec, and the company's dividend growth objectives.

"Bringing together two respected and longstanding Montréal brands, Bell's acquisition of Astral firmly establishes our company as Québec's media leader. Bell is gaining a well-seasoned national Astral management team, dramatically expanding our French-language content, and more than levelling the playing field with our largest broadcast media competitor in Québec. We greatly look forward to welcoming Astral's renowned leader Ian Greenberg to our Board of Directors," said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada. "Astral's strong financial position enables Bell to further accelerate our significant investment in broadband innovation across Québec, such as our launch this month of ultra high speed Fibe service directly to homes and businesses across Québec City and our rollout of next-generation mobile LTE. With our advanced networks and next-generation Mobile TV and Fibe TV services, Bell looks forward to delivering Astral's unbeatable content to customers in new and innovative ways."

"This transaction with Bell represents an exciting moment in the history of Astral, and an excellent opportunity for our company, our shareholders and our employees. We have come to know Bell very well as a long-time commercial partner, and the fit between our two companies is a natural," said Ian Greenberg, President and CEO of Astra Media. "On behalf of the Greenberg family and Astral's Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our employees across the different regions of Canada. Without their commitment and hard work, we could not have achieved this level of success."

The Board of Directors of Astral, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee comprised solely of independent directors, has unanimously approved the transaction and recommends that Astral shareholders approve it. All holders of Special Shares and the largest minority holder of Class B Subordinate Voting Shares, collectively representing a majority of the voting shares of Astral, have entered into agreements with Bell supporting the transaction. The financial advisor to the Special Committee has provided an opinion that the consideration proposed to be paid to Astral shareholders is fair from a financial point of view.

The agreement between Bell and Astral provides for a non-solicitation covenant on the part of Astral, subject to customary "fiduciary out" provisions, and a right in favour of Bell to match any superior proposal. If Bell does not exercise its right to match, Bell would receive a termination fee of $100 million should Astral support any superior proposal.

The transaction will be effected through a plan of arrangement and is subject to customary closing conditions, including court, shareholder and regulatory approvals. A reverse break fee of up to $150 million would be payable by Bell to Astral should the transaction not close for regulatory reasons. Astral has agreed not to declare or pay dividends on any class of its shares through to the closing date. Astral shareholders will vote on the transaction by May 25.

The transaction provides multiple other benefits for the Bell team and its strategy, including enhanced control of rising content costs, particularly French-language media, and strong opportunities for cross-platform innovation and advertising packages spanning digital, TV, radio and out-of-home advertising. Astral products currently represent Bell's largest single content cost.

Astral operates 22 television services (including 13 French-language channels), with premium offerings like Super Écran, The Movie Network and HBO Canada, and top specialty brands such as Canal Vie, Canal D, VRAK TV, MusiquePlus, Télétoon/Teletoon, Family and Disney Junior; 84 radio stations in 50 markets, including big brands like NRJ, Virgin Radio, Rouge fm, EZ Rock and boom; more than 100 websites and digital media properties; and 9,500 out-of-home advertising signage locations in Québec, Ontario and British Columbia.

The Astral team will join the Bell Media business unit, which was formed in April 2011 following Bell's acquisition of CTV, Canada's largest media company. With the addition of Astral, Bell Media will become a $3-billion national media leader with annual EBITDA of more than $850 million.

Astral employs approximately 2,800 people across Canada, with about half of the team located in Québec, which will grow Bell's team here to almost 19,000 people. Founded in Montréal in 1880 and by far the largest communications company in Québec, Bell is Québec's second-largest non-retail private sector employer, after only Desjardins. Bell is continuing to expand its service and network teams in Québec and across Canada to support new services such as Fibe TV and Fibe Internet.

To drive its broadband growth strategy, Bell has made significant investments in content and network distribution including the acquisition of CTV, an ownership stake in the Montréal Canadiens, and Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE - expected to close in mid-2012); the ongoing rollout of fibre to the home, including to Québec City this month; the deployment of next-generation mobile LTE to cities across Canada; the earlier launch of Bell Fibe TV and Fibe Internet in Montréal and Toronto; and the continuing development of leading Bell Mobile TV and online TV services.

With capital expenditures of approximately $3 billion per year, Bell spends more on new wireless and wireline fibre networks and more on Canadian R&D than any other communications company. Bell is dedicated to delivering the best content across Canada's best networks to all 4 screens - TV, smartphone, tablet and computer.

Call with Financial Analysts
Bell will hold a conference call for financial analysts to discuss the Astral acquisition on Friday, March 16 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To participate, please dial 1-866-223-7781 shortly before the start of the call. A replay will be available for one week by dialing 1-800-408-3053 and entering passcode 6700965#. A live audio webcast of the call will be available on BCE's website at http://www.bce.ca/investors/investorevents/all/show/bce-announcement.

About Astral
Founded in 1961, Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several media properties - pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital - that are among the most popular in the country. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich, and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers alike. To learn more about Astral, please visit Astral.com.

About Bell
BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE) is Canada's largest communications company, with the Bell and Bell Aliant brands providing a comprehensive and innovative suite of broadband wireless and wireline communication services to residential and business customers across Canada. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca. For Bell product and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this news release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the proposed acquisition by BCE Inc. of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Astral Media Inc., certain strategic benefits and operational, competitive and cost efficiencies expected to result from the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed transaction referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The completion of the above-mentioned proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, court, shareholder and regulatory approvals, including approval by the CRTC, Competition Bureau and TSX. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The proposed transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the strategic benefits and competitive, operational and cost efficiencies expected to result from the transaction will be fully realized.

Québec innovation and investment: Bell turns on broadband Fibe network throughout Québec City

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:31:18 -0400

Bell has invested more than $225 million to deploy new broadband fibre optic technology directly to homes and businesses across the city
Fibe network supports fastest Internet, next-generation TV and reliable home phone service with free long distance calling to any phone number across Québec

QUÉBEC CITY, March 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - With an investment of more than $225-million in world-class broadband network technology, Bell today announced the launch of its next-generation Bell Fibe service in Québec City.

Bell has brought high-speed fibre optic technology directly to homes and business across the capital in what is the largest "fibre to the home" network rollout of its kind in Canada, supporting enhanced competition and choice in Québec with the latest broadband TV, Internet and Home Phone services.

"The people of Québec City now have access to the most advanced network technology available in Québec or anywhere in Canada," said Martine Turcotte, Bell's Vice Chair, Québec. "Bell is committed to leading investment and innovation in new broadband services, bringing the best technology the world has to offer here to our Québec home. With Fibe, Bell is proud to deliver to our capital city the fastest Internet speeds, the best television experience and free long distance calling to any number in Québec."

The Bell Fibe experience
Bell Fibe Internet offers Bell customers in Québec City the fastest Internet access, with download speeds of up to 175 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. Customers can surf the Internet, share photos and videos, download music or work with business applications faster than with any other provider - and they can get a home wireless network at no charge too.

Bell Fibe TV offers the best television experience available with exceptional HD image quality, complete On Demand service, direct access to social media applications such as Facebook^®and Twitter^®, and the exclusive Whole Home PVR. The world's most innovative TV technology, and available in Québec only from Bell, Whole Home PVR allows you to set, manage and play back recordings from any TV in your home, and to pause and rewind live TV from any TV in your home.

And with Fibe Home Phone, Bell customers in Québec City can make no-charge long-distance calls to any phone number in the province - that's free calling to more than 8 million people. In contrast, competitors restrict free long distance only to certain numbers or groups.

Fibe is now available in the boroughs of Québec, Beauport, Sillery, Ste-Foy, Cap-Rouge, Charlesbourg, L'Ancienne-Lorette, Loretteville, Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux and Montmorency. Lévis will also soon be connected to the Fibe network.

To learn more about the Bell Fibe network and services, please visit Bell.ca/Fibe.

Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell products and service information, please visit Bell.ca. For information about Bell Media, visit BellMedia.ca. For information about BCE, visit BCE.ca.

Bell to offer all Vancouver Whitecaps FC matches live on Bell Mobile TV

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:56:13 -0500

Access on superphones, smartphones and tablets gets Whitecaps FC fans closer to their favourite team than ever before
Includes the 2012 MLS season kickoff as Montreal Impact meets Whitecaps FC tomorrow on Bell Pitch at BC Place

VANCOUVER, March 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell and Vancouver Whitecaps FC today announced that all 2012 Whitecaps FC matches will be offered live on Bell Mobile TV. Available on superphones, smartphones and tablets, Whitecaps FC on Bell Mobile TV means fans never need to miss a moment of action when at home or on the go.

"As Premier Founding Partner, Bell is proud to offer Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans access to their favourite team on our innovative and industry-leading Bell Mobile TV service," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Bell Residential Services, and Bell's Chief Brand Officer. "With every minute of every exciting match delivered live to our fans on the screens of their choice, Bell just made being a Whitecaps FC fan even better."

"We promised Whitecaps FC fans that we would provide a unique experience to let them share the passion of Major League Soccer," said Rachel Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC. "Again, thanks to our partner Bell, we're continuing to deliver on that promise across multiple screens."

In addition to all Whitecaps FC MLS matches, fans can also access a wide range of other MLS soccer games and events on TSN. TSN and RDS are the official broadcasters of Major League Soccer in Canada with a national broadcast package that includes 36 games featuring Montreal Impact, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

TSN Mobile TV also offers live coverage of 22 games featuring U.S.-based teams and exclusive Canadian coverage of the MLS CUP Playoffs, the MLS CUP 2012 and the MLS ALL-STAR GAME.

The 2012 MLS season kicks off tomorrow on TSN and RDS with the MLS debut of the Montreal Impact, who travel to Bell Pitch at BC Place for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC's season opener on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET.

Delivering the best live sports, including NCAA March Madness basketball, major league hockey, football and soccer, plus more than 25 other live channels, Bell Mobile TV is available for an all-inclusive $5 for 5 hours of TV viewing.

For more information, please visit Bell.ca/MobileTV.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels.

Image with caption: "Bell will offer all Vancouver Whitecaps FC games live on Bell Mobile TV (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120309_C3177_PHOTO_EN_10989.jpg

Bell brings adrenaline-fueled NCAA™ March Madness™ to Bell TV and Bell Mobile TV

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:36:11 -0500

Only Bell customers have access to complete coverage of every action-packed basketball game on multiple screens at home and on the go

MONTREAL, March 8, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced that it is offering customers complete full-game coverage of the NCAA March Madness tournament on Bell TV and on tablets and smartphones with Bell Mobile TV.

Available in HD on Bell Fibe TV and Bell Satellite TV, every action-packed basketball game, including TSN and TSN2's coverage of Elite 8, Final Four and the National Championship rounds, will also be streamed live on Bell Mobile TV.

In time for NCAA March Madness, Bell also recently announced enhancements to the Bell Mobile TV service including an enhanced interface, advanced programming guide, customizable alerts and other innovative features.

"Bell is a leader in bringing Canadians the best live sports content over fast broadband networks with innovative services like Bell Mobile TV and Bell Fibe TV," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Bell Residential Services, and Bell's Chief Brand Officer. "The NCAA March Madness tournament is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world - and only Bell customers can have complete access to every game at home or on the go."

Subscribers to the Bell Fibe TV and Bell Satellite TV NCAA March Madness Package get complete uninterrupted HD coverage of all 60 games in the first 4 rounds. The Elite 8, Final Four and the National Championship rounds will be available on TSN and TSN2.

The Bell TV NCAA March Madness Package is available for $20.29. Please visit Bell.ca/MarchMadness for more information and to subscribe.

Featuring complete access to all NCAA March Madness games as well as more than 25 other live channels, Bell Mobile TV is available on Bell's leading lineup of tablets, superphones and smartphones for an all-inclusive $5 for 5 hours of TV viewing. For more information, please visit Bell.ca/MobileTV.

Image with caption: "Bell is offering complete coverage of all NCAA March Madness basketball games on TV and mobile. (CNW Group/BELL CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120308_C2558_PHOTO_EN_10914.jpg