Bell Reverses Its Stance, Eyes Western Canada With Telus Tech
Bell has pivoted away from its earlier, large-scale spend to block Telus from expanding into Ontario and Quebec. Now it plans a fresh approach, using Telus hardware and networks to reach Western Canada. The shift marks a big change in how Bell plans to grow its internet and mobile business.
BC and Alberta Get a Taste of Bell This November
Residents in British Columbia and Alberta should start seeing Bell service in November. At launch, the new service will be available only to customers who already have Bell Mobility. Bell is rolling out limited bundles with special pricing, aiming to attract customers who want a better deal as they switch to a bigger network. The hope is these offers will outshine Bell’s recent deals while entering a fresh market.
Why This Move Stands Out in Canada’s Big Three
Bell’s strategy comes after years of arguing against a key rule from the CRTC. That rule would let the large telecoms share some of their networks with rivals. Bell even ran a heavy marketing push against the CRTC, arguing the ruling could slow innovation. The current plan shows the company is not just chasing customers; it is testing how far it can go with the shared-fiber approach in a new region.
Fibre Focus: A Long-Term bet, Copper Dwindling
During Investor Day, Bell’s chief executive said fibre will keep lifting growth for years. He also stated Bell plans to phase out copper internet lines. The Canadian press reported these comments, signaling a clear move toward a full fibre future. Bell’s team has not given every detail yet, and there are questions about timelines and how quickly the copper will disappear. Still, the tone was confident: the switch to fibre is back on.
Virgin Plus Trimmed Back to Mobile Plans
To simplify its home internet plans and push more customers toward Bell services, the company will stop selling home internet and TV through Virgin Plus. Virgin Plus will no longer offer fixed home services, and Lucky Mobile will focus on mobile plans once again. This shift tightens Bell’s portfolio, steering customers toward its primary network offerings rather than a broader mix of home tech. The move sets a clear path for Bell to consolidate its user base and reduce overlap in its brands.
What This Means for Canadian Customers
For new Bell customers in BC and Alberta, the November rollout brings a more connected option built on Telus technology. The targeted launch to Mobility users first keeps the service tied to Bell’s mobile ecosystem, creating a smoother handover for those already in the Bell family. The bundled prices could create a sharper pull for users who want more value from a single plan. The broader effect on prices and service quality remains to be seen, but the early signs point to stronger competition in the region.
This strategy also signals a bigger shift toward fibre in Canada. If Bell keeps accelerating its fibre rollout, users can expect faster speeds and more reliable connections. The move away from copper is a long-term bet that many customers will welcome, especially those who rely on steady uploads, downloads, and streaming. The use of Telus tech in Western Canada could become a template for future cross-brand projects, showing how giants who once fought each other can join forces to cover more ground.
Market Perspective and Customer Impact
Analysts will watch how Bell fills the gaps between Ontario, Quebec, and the new Western Canadian push. The region is a different climate for service expansion, with varying demand and existing providers. If Bell can deliver good speeds and strong bundles, it could push rivals to sharpen their own offers. For customers, the prospect of improved service options and more competitive pricing is a welcome outcome from a year of steady telecom drama.
With fibre becoming a bigger piece of the plan, homes and small offices could see a consistent jump in performance. A shift away from copper will likely reduce maintenance costs over time and lead to more stable networks. Bell’s move suggests the market is ready for deeper fibre coverage, especially as more Canadians demand reliable, fast internet at reasonable prices.
Source: Canadian Press
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
