News Summary

Bell has received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to acquire Ziply Fiber for $5 billion, marking Bell’s expansion into the United States. The acquisition involves Bell’s U.S. arm, BCE Holding Corporation, taking over Ziply’s parent company, Northwest Fiber Holdco. Ziply, which operates in the Pacific Northwest, will continue under its current name and management with Bell leveraging its Canadian expertise to meet fiber buildout plans. The FCC also approved foreign ownership in Ziply Fiber above the usual 25% limit due to Bell’s Canadian roots. This deal, scrutinized by various U.S. government agencies, includes Bell’s commitment to meet obligations tied to federal funding programs such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. The acquisition represents a significant move for a Canadian telecommunications company entering the U.S. market.