TORONTO (Standard&Poor's) May 4, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said it revised its outlook on telecommunications company BCE Inc., and wholly owned subsidiary Bell Canada, as well as Bell Canada subsidiaries Telebec L.P. and NorthernTel L.P., to negative from stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its ratings, including the 'A' long-term corporate credit ratings, on BCE, Bell Canada, Telebec, and NorthernTel. "The revised outlook reflects expectations for increased competition in local services and continued pricing pressures in long-distance, wholesale and data services, where collectively Bell Canada generates close to 50% of revenues," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Joe Morin. The effects of greater competition on operating results will likely be limited in 2005,
