Bell comments on Verizon-Vodafone speculation

MONTREAL, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today noted the widespread media speculation about US communications giant Verizon's plan to buy out international partner Vodafone's 45% stake in its wireless business. The rumour confirms what the majority of Canadians have been telling the federal government: a company like Verizon with the scale to consider an acquisition of approximately US$130 billion dollars does not need any handouts from Ottawa to compete in the Canadian wireless market.

In a recent national survey by Nanos Research (www.nanosresearch.com), Canadians said clearly that they want a level playing field in wireless: 81% said the government should give no favours to any carrier, foreign or domestic, while just 2% supported the idea of special favours for giant US entrants like Verizon.

About Bell
Headquartered in Montréal since its founding in 1880, Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers, business and government customers with leading TV, Internet, wireless, home phone and business communications solutions. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more information, please visit Bell.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a national charitable program that promotes Canadian mental health across Canada with the Bell Let's Talk Day anti-stigma campaign and significant funding for community care, research and workplace best practices. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

SOURCE: Bell Canada