2008 Annual Raport

Our broadband networks are the foundation of Bell’s leading communications products and services and a major part of the better customer experience.

Continued investments in Fibre and ongoing expansion and enhancement of our high-speed wireless network will greatly increase the number of broadband customers we win and retain. Overall, Bell has invested close to $3 billion in its broadband Internet and high-speed wireless networks in the last four years alone.

We are greatly accelerating the rollout of our high-speed Fibre to the Node (FTTN) network, with about 2.4 million homes covered today and 5 million expected to be passed by 2012. FTTN is a key driver of improved product performance, decreasing customer churn and increasing average revenue per user.

The new Fibre to MDU (multi-dwelling unit) program announced as part of the 100-day plan offers the benefits of high-speed fibre to thousands of residents in hundreds of new high-rise developments. In major markets such as Toronto and Montréal, as many as 25% of our customer base live in MDUs.

Bell’s MPLS network is best-in-class across North America, offering modern IP support for major Enterprise users. Our investments in our IP core have dramatically reduced outages and repair times for Enterprise customers and contributed to the exceptionally positive momentum in this sector.

In wireless, we’ve delivered coverage for 90% of the Canadian population with our existing 3G EVDO network, providing Bell customers access to the largest 3G network in Canada.

By early 2010, we’ll have added a national broadband HSPA network alongside EVDO, providing our customers with the widest possible choice in Third Generation (3G) wireless products and services. HSPA also sets the stage for our move to the global Fourth Generation (4G) high-speed wireless standard in coming years.