Bell Aliant and the Government of PEI today confirmed they have reached the halfway milestone in the broadband initiative to deliver high-speed Internet to virtually all areas of the Island by the end of the year. The $8.2 million project to extend broadband services is already having a positive impact on individuals and businesses across the Island. The joint project was officially announced in November, 2008.
“We’re very pleased with the progress of this significant expansion of our broadband services, and proud to say we’re already half way there,” says Heather Tulk, Senior Vice President Customer Solutions, Bell Aliant. “Our employees have shown an unwavering commitment to the project’s success and are dedicated to furthering technology and innovation on the Island.”
Bell Aliant has turned up service in 25 of 50 sites included in this project. These 25 sites serve an additional 141 communities in PEI. More than 10,000 homes have been added to the broadband footprint. Currently 90 per cent of the homes in PEI across 342 communities have access to Bell Aliant’s broadband network.
The project is part of the Government of PEI’s ongoing commitment to rural development. Access to Bell Aliant’s broadband service will help stimulate rural business activity and improve the quality of life for people living in rural communities.
“This new service is a major benefit to individuals and businesses throughout rural Prince Edward Island, and is enabling them to become more competitive through the use of new technologies,” says Hon. Robert Ghiz, Premier of PEI.
About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America’s largest regional communications providers. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services. Bell Aliant’s employees are committed to deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience.
BACKGROUNDER
Bell Aliant's broadband network -- value, choice and convenience
Broadband access is more than simply having access to high-speed Internet. Broadband customers enjoy a superior Internet experience with access to innovative products and services including exclusive content on bellaliant.net, computer purchase program and other value-added products and services. Bell Aliant broadband customers also enjoy exclusive access to our Video on Demand content library, including coverage of local events, live Atlantic Canadian concerts and sports coverage.
Bell Aliant broadband customers also have access to a variety of innovative new broadband services. For example, bellaliant.net, the company's consumer information portal, offers customers interested in starting a business more value than ever before with the launch of Bell Aliant's Small Business Start-up Resource Centre. The Resource Centre provides helpful information and tools to inspire business customers. Other products and services popular with businesses include business security suite, managed business anti-virus and PC backup.
For residential customers, Bell Aliant is providing exclusive online tools to help them make the best of new technologies. We recently launched Personal Vault, a comprehensive online storage solution available exclusively on bellaliant.net. With Personal Vault, Bell Aliant makes it easy for customers to access important information such as digital photos, music and video files from any Internet connection. Other product and services available for PEI customers include the Computer Purchase Program and Bell Aliant Voicemail Online.