BCE Unveils Canada's Largest AI Compute Project: A Network of Six Data Centers

BCE's Ambitious AI Infrastructure Initiative

BCE Inc., Canada's largest telecom company by revenue, has unveiled plans to establish the country's most extensive artificial intelligence (AI) computing network. The project, named Bell AI Fabric, aims to create a network of six data centers across Canada, with a primary focus on British Columbia 1

1

.

Strategic Locations and Capacity

The first data center, set to open in June 2025 in Kamloops, British Columbia, marks the beginning of this nationwide rollout. BCE plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in building these facilities, which will collectively provide up to 500 megawatts of AI compute capacity 2

2

. Additional sites are planned in Manitoba and Quebec in the coming years.

Partnerships and Technology

BCE has formed strategic partnerships to enhance the project's capabilities:

1. Groq: The US-based AI chip startup will serve as an anchor tenant and technology partner. Groq's Language Processing Units (LPUs) are expected to accelerate AI inference tasks, particularly for large language models 3

   3

   .

2. Thompson Rivers University: A 26-megawatt facility will be integrated with the university's campus district energy system, recycling waste heat and providing students and faculty with access to world-class computing capabilities 2

   2

   .

Sustainability and Sovereignty

Bell AI Fabric emphasizes environmental responsibility and national interests:

1. All six data centers will be powered by hydroelectric energy, aligning with sustainability goals 3

   3

   .
2. The project aims to bolster Canada's sovereign AI compute capacity, ensuring that Canadian businesses, researchers, and public institutions have access to high-performance, domestically controlled AI computing services 2

   2

   .

Future Expansion and Impact

BCE's vision extends beyond the initial six data centers:

1. Two additional high-density AI workload facilities are in advanced planning stages, with a total capacity exceeding 400 megawatts 2

   2

   .
2. The company plans to leverage its real estate assets for further expansion across the country 2

   2

   .

BCE's Tech Services Ambitions

This AI infrastructure initiative is part of BCE's broader strategy to become more tech-focused:

1. Earlier in May 2025, BCE launched Ateko, a new tech services brand unifying recently acquired companies FX Innovation, HGC Technologies, and CloudKettle 2

   2

   .
2. BCE aims to build a $1-billion tech services business, with Ateko serving as a cornerstone in helping businesses streamline operations and boost productivity using AI 2

   2

   .

As BCE positions itself at the forefront of Canada's AI infrastructure development, the Bell AI Fabric project represents a significant step in the country's efforts to compete in the global AI landscape while prioritizing sovereignty and sustainability in technological advancement.