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BCE wins Alberta SuperNet contract

Jul 3, 2018 | 7:26 AM

EDMONTON – BCE Inc. has won a multi-year contract to operate Alberta SuperNet, the government-led broadband initiative.

The company will assume all operations of the broadband network serving commercial and government customers throughout the province.

Bell owns and operates the SuperNet network assets serving 27 urban centres in Alberta.

It will now also operate the network connecting a total of 402 communities in rural Alberta.

Bell also says it has signed a deal to acquire Axia NetMedia Corp., the Calgary-based operator of SuperNet’s rural assets.

Financial terms of the deal were not immediately available.

“This new SuperNet contract ensures that Albertans will continue to have access to internet services in their schools, hospitals, libraries and public services,” says Brian Malkinson, Minister of Service Alberta. “It also means that local internet service providers are able to keep us connected to the services we need. This is an important investment in our economy – broadband and internet access helps rural communities create good jobs, access services and retain talented Albertans. With a clear path forward, we are keeping people working and businesses investing in Alberta.”