Bell eyes U.S. fibre expansion after closing Ziply deal and boosting internet subs
The completion of BCE Inc.’s $5 billion acquisition of the U.S. internet provider Ziply Fiber has strengthened the company’s fibre internet base in the third quarter and set the stage for an ambitious expansion in the United States.
Deal and Expansion Plans
Based in Kirkland, Washington, Ziply Fiber offers high-speed fibre services across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Since its acquisition in August, Ziply has added 9,000 net new subscribers in August and September, marking its first official months under BCE ownership.
BCE, parent company of Bell Canada, reported a total of 65,000 net new fibre subscribers during the quarter, including U.S. customers. The purchase was largely financed by BCE’s $4.7 billion sale of its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to Rogers Communications, a transaction completed earlier in the same quarter.
Leadership and Strategy
“Ziply is now well-positioned to accelerate its fibre build and expand beyond its current four-state footprint,” said BCE president and CEO Mirko Bibic.
Speaking during Bell’s earnings call, Bibic noted that fibre construction efforts are set to gain momentum through 2026. Currently, Ziply’s network reaches 1.4 million homes in the U.S., with projections to expand to about three million by the end of 2028.
Future Outlook
In the long term, BCE aims to significantly grow its U.S. operations, leveraging Ziply’s established market and infrastructure to broaden Bell’s North American network presence.
Author’s summary: BCE’s Ziply acquisition fuels the telecom’s fibre expansion in the U.S. and positions Bell for major growth south of the border by 2028.