A public hearing is set on the potential transfer of Ziply Fiber Northwest to Canada’s largest communications company.

Bell Canada’s BCE Holding Company announced the $3.65 billion deal to extend its footprint to the United States in November 2024.

Kirkland-based Ziply provides high-speed internet to more than 1.3 million fiber locations across Washington – including in the Tri-Cities – Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Ziply acquired the northwest operations of Frontier Communications in a $1.35 billion deal in 2020.

Bell Canada has nearly 8 million fiber locations throughout the country.

In December 2024, Ziply and BCE filed a joint application with Washington’s Utilities and Transportation Commission for an order approving the transfer of control. In their application, the companies stated a shared vision of increased fiber internet availability in Washington state, especially in rural areas.

Once the acquisition is complete, Bell Canada said it will expand its fiber footprint to more than 12 million locations across North America by the end of 2028, reinforcing its position as the third-largest fiber internet provider in North America.

The virtual public meeting is at 6 p.m. July 16. Join by Zoom or by phone 1-253-215-8782 and use Meeting ID: 822 5650 2346# and Passcode: 563628#.

Public comments also may be submitted online, by phone at 888-333-9882, by email at [email protected], and by mail to P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250.