July 5, 2006 Montreal -- Bell Canada today announced the introduction of Sympatico Optimax, a high-speed Internet service for consumers that leverages the latest in fiber-optic technology. The service offers an Internet connection that will deliver fast maximum speeds of 10 or 16 Mbit/sec, say company representatives. Sympatico Optimax rolls out in Montreal starting today.
"Bell is setting a new standard in Internet access," contends Kevin Crull, president of Residential Services, Bell Canada. "Sympatico Optimax builds on Bell 's new fiber-optic network to provide consumers a combination of bandwidth and reliability that's unmatched in the Canadian marketplace."
Sympatico Optimax brings Bell's fiber-optic network closer than ever before to consumer homes, resulting in faster Internet access that remains consistent throughout the day at its maximum speed. Sympatico Optimax will appeal especially to Internet users who enjoy bandwith-intensive applications.
"Sympatico Optimax Internet service is always fast and its connection to consumer homes will not slowdown," adds Crull. "Our technology is optimized for a new generation of consumers with a growing appetite for digital entertainment, whether online games, music, or video."
Consumer demand for Internet bandwidth and reliability is exploding among Internet users. Sympatico.MSN.ca has seen a dramatic increase in demand for video content--from 2.2 million streams in 2003 to more than 31 million streams in 2005, with current 2006 projections over 60 million.
Sympatico Optimax is available in selected areas of Montreal now and is priced at $65 per month for 10 Mbits/sec or $80 per month for 16 Mbits/sec. Sympatico Optimax includes up to 75 GB of bandwidth usage, or the equivalent of over 15,000 music downloads. Availability and pricing of the service in Toronto will be announced at a later date.