Bell MTS extends LTE Advanced wireless coverage in Southeastern Manitoba

Canada's best national mobile network coming to Stuartburn, Woodridge and Zhoda

WINNIPEG, Sept. 24, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell MTS today announced the latest expansion of its leading LTE Advanced (LTE-A) wireless coverage in Manitoba, extending wireless service for the first time to the Southeastern communities of Stuartburn, Woodridge and Zhoda.

Part of the $1-billion Bell MTS infrastructure investment plan for the province, this service expansion offers residents and businesses in Southeastern Manitoba access to the latest evolution of the world's leading broadband wireless technology. LTE-A wireless service will be available in Woodridge this week, and launches in Stuartburn and Zhoda in 2019.

"Bell MTS is proud to bring Canada's best mobile network service to the communities of Stuartburn, Woodridge and Zhoda and to travellers along Highways 12 and 59," said Dan McKeen, Vice Chair of Bell MTS & Western Canada. "This enhanced access to world-class broadband services is another example of how Bell MTS capital investments are supporting the social and economic growth of communities large and small in Manitoba."

"Better, faster service not only helps protect Manitobans in times of emergency but also improves daily life for those who work and call the area their home," said Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba. "We thank Bell MTS for following through on this promise. We'll continue to work with industry partners, the business community and other levels of government to improve wireless access in Manitoba."

Created in March 2017 following Bell Canada's acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services, Bell MTS has since upgraded most of its wireless network across the province to LTE-A capability. With LTE-A available in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Selkirk, Steinbach, Gimli, Morden, Winkler, Churchill, Thompson, Flin Flon, Falcon Lake, East St. Paul, Grand Beach and other centres, almost 90% of Manitobans now have access to the fastest mobile technology in Canada. Bell MTS has also deployed continuous wireless coverage along Highway 75 from Winnipeg to the US border, and is enhancing service along Highway 6 to Northern Manitoba.

"The residents of Southeastern Manitoba, as well as visitors to this spectacular region, will benefit greatly from the expanded wireless coverage and enhanced public safety," said Jim Swidersky, Reeve of the RM of Stuartburn. "This long-needed, meaningful investment is the result of years of hard work. The Southeast Cellular Coalition would like to thank Bell MTS for the opportunity to collaborate throughout this process." 

"The AMM appreciates the commitment made by Bell MTS to extend wireless service in Southeastern Manitoba," said Chris Goertzen, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. "Sustained network infrastructure upgrades are essential for improving public safety, increasing competitiveness of businesses, and maximizing job opportunities in local communities."

In addition to the latest in wireless services, Bell MTS is also investing to bring Manitobans the best in broadband Internet and TV. Bell MTS has introduced Gigabit Fibe Internet – delivering data speeds up to 20 times faster than previously available – to more than 20 communities throughout the province and launched Fibe TV, becoming the first TV provider in the province to offer live 4K programming and exclusive features like Restart.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing innovative broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services across the country. Bell Media is Canada's premier content creation company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home and digital media. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and provides significant funding for community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Media Inquiries

Andrew Parkinson
204-941-8256
andrew.parkinson@bellmts.ca

SOURCE Bell Canada