Bell and MTS plan to expand service in Northern Manitoba following acquisition close

Bell and Manitoba Telecom Service (MTS) have announced joint plans to expand mobile and wireline broadband networks in Northern Manitoba.

The two companies state the infrastructure project will deliver full LTE and HSPA+ wireless coverage for the Highway 6 corridor to Thompson and enhanced broadband service for mining centre Flin Flon. It also promises new wireless and wireline broadband services for five indigenous communities: Easterville, Gods Lake Narrows, Gods River, Grand Rapids and Grand Sucker Lake.

“The Bell MTS broadband service improvements unveiled today will be the largest capital investment in wireless and wireline networks in Northern Manitoba in many years,” said Pat Solman, senior vice-president of network & field services for MTS in a news release.

“This announcement is another example of how critical Bell’s scale, resources and experience are to ensuring Manitobans everywhere can benefit from the economic and social opportunities offered by investment in state-of-the art broadband communications.”

MTS is currently in the process of being acquired by Bell pending a review by the CRTC and the federal minister for innovation and economic development. The acquisition was announced May 2nd, 2016 at a $3.9 billion value. At the same time, Bell announced a five-year, $1 billion commitment to expanding services in Manitoba following the closing of the acquisition, which is expected to be late 2016 or early 2017.

It seems, however, that the companies are exceedingly eager to begin work, with today’s announcement adding to a May release that stated the companies are also planning to complete wireless coverage on Manitoba Highway 75, a trade route that connects Canada and the U.S.

Related reading: Manitoba court approves the BCE $3.9 billion acquisition of MTS

[source]Bell[/source]