Bell Rolls Out 5G Service To Atlantic Canada
FREDERICTON — Bell Canada announced it’s expanding its 5G network in Atlantic Canada to include Fredericton, Halifax and Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, Bell plans to expand the network to Prince Edward Island this year.
In a news release, the telecommunications giant says residents and businesses in Halifax, Fredericton and several communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, including St. John’s, Flatrock, Paradise, Portugal Cove and Wabana, can now access faster 5G speeds.
The current expansion gives Nova Scotia its largest 5G network, and it provides Newfoundland and Labrador with its first 5G service. The move is part of Bell’s recent investment of $1.7 billion to accelerate the rollout of broadband fibre, 5G and rural networks over the next two years.
Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s Atlantic vice-chair, said the expansion, which will feature faster internet speeds, will ensure Atlantic Canadians stay up-to-date on the next generation of wireless products and other forms of digital communication.
“As the country’s largest investor in communication network infrastructure, including here in Atlantic Canada, Bell continues to deliver on our goal to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world,” said LeBlanc in the release.
Offering mobile data speeds of almost two gigabytes per second, Bell said its 5G network is on track to cover close to 70 per cent of Canadians by the end of 2021. Access to the service is something Paul Preston, CEO of techNL, says will enhance the lives of many islanders.
“Access to this next generation mobile network means we will be able to open up new possibilities, compete globally, attract and retain talent, and drive economic growth,” said Preston in the release.
In September of 2020, Rogers Communications brought its service to Fredericton, making it the first 5G network in Atlantic Canada. Earlier this month, Rogers gave Saint Johners access to the service too.
It’s unknown when Bell will bring the service to the Port City.
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Aaron Sousa is a summer intern for Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].