BCE Plans Cash Return

MONTREAL -- Following the termination of the proposed privatization agreement by BCE in accordance with its terms, BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE - News News) today announced plans to return value to BCE shareholders with a reinstated common share dividend and a new Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) common share buyback program.

Bell Canada will also continue its move forward as a re-energized company with a clear goal - to be recognized by customers as Canada's leading communications company - and the customer-focused strategy and structure required to achieve it.

"Our enhanced operational performance in recent months confirms that Bell is competing as a cost-effective and customer-focused communications company. The Bell team has implemented a range of programs to deliver a better customer experience, and we are eager to build on the clear progress we've already made," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell and BCE. "Given this steadily improving business trajectory, we view the dividend and share buyback initiatives announced by BCE today as very attractive to our shareholders now and going forward."

BCE Inc. (Bell Canada) (NYSE/Toronto: BCE)