Bell MTS expands all-fibre broadband network in La Salle

Bell MTS has announced the latest expansion of its all-fibre broadband network to approximately 800 homes and business locations throughout the Town of La Salle in the Rural Municipality of Macdonald, which will provide residents with access to the fastest home Internet in Canada and other Bell MTS exclusive services like Whole Home Wi-Fi and Fibe TV.

"The Municipality has long identified high-speed Internet access as critical infrastructure to improve the lives of those who live and do business in our Municipality," said Brad Erb, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Macdonald. "This investment by Bell MTS will help us as we continue to build communities for the future in all areas of the Municipality."

Fully funded by Bell MTS, the new network will deliver Internet access speeds of up to 1.5 Gigabits per second, the fastest consumer Internet in Canada. Construction is set to begin in June, with the first customer connections expected this summer.

"The Bell MTS $1 billion investment plan for Manitoba is delivering advanced broadband access to more cities, towns and rural communities than ever before," said Dan McKeen, Vice Chair of Bell MTS & Western Canada. "These technology investments are key to supporting the continued economic and social prosperity of Manitoba communities, and we are proud to welcome La Salle to our growing broadband network."

La Salle joins over 30 communities across the province that now have access to Bell MTS fibre. Bell MTS is also bringing the world's best Internet technology to Flin Flon and Churchill this summer, and also announced a major new initiative to bring direct fibre connections to approximately 275,000 homes and businesses in Winnipeg.

Located southwest of Winnipeg and covering approximately 1,106 square kilometres, the Rural Municipality of Macdonald is one of the oldest municipalities in Manitoba.

Home to a diverse population of almost 8,000 residents, the RM of Macdonald is one of the fastest growing areas in Manitoba. Major communities in Macdonald include La Salle, Oak Bluff, Domain, Brunkild, Sanford, Starbuck and Osborne.

Bell MTS is part of BCE, Canada's largest communications company, and provides advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services throughout Manitoba. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading television, radio, out of home and digital media assets in Manitoba and across Canada.