Bell Canada Announces Q4 and $1B in Capital Expenditures for 2021-22

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BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), (NYSE: BCE) last week reported results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2020, provided financial guidance for 2021 and announced a 5.1 percent, or $0.17 per share, increase in the BCE annual common share dividend to $3.50. The company also unveiled an ambitious broadband network acceleration program enabled by an additional $1 billion to $1.2 billion in capital investment over the next two years. The plan will add up to 900,000 additional fiber and rural Wireless Home Internet locations while also doubling Bell’s 5G population coverage this year.

“Today, BCE is proud to announce a significant acceleration in network capital investment to support Canada’s recovery from the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 alongside a 5.1 percent increase in our common share dividend. These initiatives reflect our commitment to lead the buildout of Canada’s next-generation digital infrastructure while also delivering increased dividend returns to the shareholders who have invested in Bell’s strategy of broadband innovation and growth,” said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada. 

“Bell’s solid fourth-quarter Q4 and 2020 results – including welcoming 147,000 net new retail Internet, IPTV and wireless customers in Q4 – underscore the advantages of fast, reliable and high-capacity networks in a challenging and competitive marketplace. Bell’s network leadership has kept Canadians connected, informed and entertained throughout COVID-19, with the round-the-clock support and ongoing investments in network capacity and digital platforms necessary to enable the business, government and front-line response to the crisis,” said Bibic.

“Now, Bell looks forward to playing a key role in the country’s move forward with an acceleration of at least $1 billion over the next two years to deliver fiber connections, rural internet services and the fastest 5G network to even more Canadians. Since 1880, Bell has led the way in ensuring Canada’s leadership position in the global communications sector, and our team is proud to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world in 2021.”

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