Bell Aliant Expands High-speed Access

Article Excerpt

BELL ALIANT REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INCOME FUND $30 (Toronto symbol BA.UN; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Units outstanding: 127.1 million; Market cap: $3.8 billion; SI Rating: Above average) transferred the bulk of its wireless business to BCE Inc. as part of the deal that created the trust. Without these operations, the fund now aims to spur growth by expanding the availability and capacity of its high-speed Internet service. Bell Aliant now plans to launch high-speed Internet service in 24 communities in Nova Scotia in 2008. It also plans to add more wireless high-speed access spots in urban areas. Expanding high-speed availability will help Bell Aliant hang on to customers, and encourage them to buy more services such as digital TV. New revenue streams will also help it keep paying monthly distributions of $0.235 a unit (9.4% yield). Bell Aliant is a buy. buy…