Bell to award key contract to alternate vendors - Expertech unable to restructure its operations and tender competitive offer

Feb 26, 2007

MONTREAL, Québec, Feb. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced it will not
renew its service agreement with Expertech and will proceed with an orderly
transition of network installation services to alternate suppliers.
Bell has been informed by Expertech that its unionized employees
represented by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) have
rejected the company's final offer to restructure its operations. Without the
restructuring, Expertech could not tender a competitive offer for a new
long-term contract with Bell Canada.
Bell's service contract with Expertech expires in 2007. In 2006, Bell
went to the marketplace to solicit tenders for network installation services
and Expertech prices were, on average, 25% higher than tenders received,
representing tens of millions of dollars in additional costs for Bell and its
customers. Given Expertech's status as a preferred supplier, Bell gave the
company an opportunity to restructure to allow for the tendering of a more
competitive offer.
"We would have preferred to continue working with Expertech, but the
disappointing result of today's vote means that the company will not be able
to restructure and offer its services at a competitive price," said Patrick
Pichette, President, Operations of Bell Canada.
"Bell's priority is to provide reliable and timely services for its
clients at all times, which is why we will now implement an orderly transition
plan with alternate suppliers," added Mr. Pichette.
Bell will work with Expertech towards an orderly and timely wind down.
During this wind down, the work performed by Expertech will be transferred to
many local suppliers across Québec and Ontario.

About Bell Canada

Bell Canada is Canada's national leader in telecommunications, with
28 million client connections across the country. The company provides
consumers with simple solutions to all their communications needs, including
telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital
television and voice over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and
communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is
the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses.
Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and exclusive Communications
Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell is
wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services,
please visit www.bell.ca; for information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Pierre Leclerc, Bell Canada, Media Relations, (514) 391-2007, 1-877-391-2007, pierre.leclerc@bell.ca