Bell Canada, the wireless arm of Canada’s largest telecom service provider BCE Inc (BCE), has announced that its wireless products are now available exclusively at “The Source,” a leading Canadian consumer electronics retail chain with nationwide presence. Moreover, the Canadian retail giant has also commenced selling products from Virgin Mobile Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Canada. 
 
Cell phone users across Canada now have direct access to the state-of-the-art cellular handhelds (including popular smartphones such as iPhone and BlackBerry Bold 9700) and related services from both Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile Brands. Moreover, customers have access to Canada’s fastest and largest 3G wireless network.
 
Bell Canada officially launched its much-anticipated HSPA+ technology based 3G network in Nov 2009, offering peak downlink speeds of up to 21 megabits per second. This network upgrade has unlocked the opportunity to enhance wireless voice and data service deployments, maximize network efficiency and lower operational cost.
 
Bell Canada is currently battling with two other leading Canadian carriers Telus (TU) and Rogers Communications (RCI) to win subscribers. The competitive scenario is set to intensify with the entry of new wireless players in the near future as a result of Industry Canada’s C$4.25 billion (US$4 billion) spectrum auction.
 
The acquisition of The Source in July 2009 has expanded Bell Canada’s retail outlet count to 1,450, enabling it to distribute its own branded products and services across 750 retail locations in Canada. As more than 70% of Canadians live within close proximity of these stores, Bell has guaranteed distribution of its wireless and wireline products (voice, broadband Internet and TV).
 
Bell Canada acquired full control of Virgin Mobile Canada in May 2009. The acquisition has strengthened the company’s national retail distribution network, enhanced selling channels and enabled it to more effectively compete with peers. This strategic investment effectively complements The Source acquisition, providing Bell Canada an opportunity to fully leverage Virgin Mobile’s strong brand appeal, discounted price plans and leadership in the youth mobile segment to boost store traffic by offering bundled services.
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