Bell Canada plans to acquire U.S.-based Ziply Fiber for approximately C$5 billion (U.S. $3.65 billion) in cash. This acquisition adds 1.3 million fiber locations across the Pacific Northwest to Bell’s network, positioning it as North America’s third-largest fiber internet provider. Post-acquisition, Bell’s fiber footprint will encompass over 9 million locations, with plans to exceed 12 million by 2028.
Ziply Fiber, headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, operates a 100% fiber-optic network across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The company has invested significantly in upgrading its infrastructure, offering services like symmetrical 10 Gbps residential internet and, more recently, a 50 Gbps tier—the fastest residential internet service in the U.S. Ziply’s network expansion aims to reach over 3 million locations within the next four years.
The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory approvals, will see Ziply Fiber operate as a separate business unit under Bell. Funding for the deal includes approximately C$4.2 billion from BCE’s divestiture of its Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment stake. Bell’s CEO, Mirko Bibic, stated, “This acquisition marks a bold milestone as we lean into our fiber expertise and expand beyond our Canadian borders.”
• Acquisition Price: Approximately C$5 billion (U.S. $3.65 billion)
• Total Transaction Value: Approximately C$7 billion, including debt assumption
• Fiber Footprint Expansion: Adds 1.3 million U.S. locations, targeting over 12 million by 2028
• Funding Source: Approximately C$4.2 billion from MLSE stake sale
• Ziply Fiber Headquarters: Kirkland, Washington
• Expected Closing: Second half of 2025, pending approvals
