CALGARY and EDMONTON – Just days after being awarded a multi-year contract from the Alberta government to operate the province’s SuperNet, Bell also announced its intention to buy competing SuperNet provider Axia NetMedia.
Financial terms of the Axia acquisition, which Bell said is expected to be completed this fall, were not disclosed.
Alberta SuperNet is a government-led initiative that provides broadband network connectivity to schools, hospitals, libraries, municipal and indigenous offices, government facilities, enterprise business customers and Internet service providers in 429 urban and rural communities throughout the province.
Bell currently owns and operates the SuperNet network assets serving 27 urban centres in Alberta, while an additional 402 communities in rural areas have been served by Calgary-based Axia. Bell said that its acquisition of Axia ensures the continuation of SuperNet services for rural customers “while enhancing connectivity opportunities for Alberta and national enterprise customers doing business throughout the province”.
"We look forward to welcoming the Axia team to Bell as we integrate our operations to deliver the highest levels of service to Alberta's SuperNet users," said Bell's vice chair for Western Canada, Dan McKeen, in a statement. "Combining the scale and resources of Bell with the proven operational strengths of both companies will support the delivery of seamless broadband service for all SuperNet users today and into the future."
Minister of Service Alberta Brian Malkinson announced Friday that Bell had been chosen to operate both the urban and rural portions of the SuperNet service after a procurement process that began in 2016.
“This new SuperNet contract ensures that Albertans will continue to have access to internet services in their schools, hospitals, libraries and public services”, said Malkinson, in the announcement. “It also means that local internet service providers are able to keep us connected to the services we need. This is an important investment in our economy – broadband and internet access helps rural communities create good jobs, access services and retain talented Albertans. With a clear path forward, we are keeping people working and businesses investing in Alberta.”
