On Aug. 15, 2002, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its short-term corporate credit and global scale commercial paper ratings on telecommunications company BCE Inc. to 'A-1' from 'A-2'. At the same time, Standard&Poor's raised its Canadian national scale commercial paper ratings on the Montreal, Que.-based company to 'A-1(Mid)' from 'A-1(Low)' to reflect a criteria adjustment on this specific instrument only. In addition, the ratings outstanding on the company were affirmed. The outlook is stable. Based on a consolidated approach, the investment-grade ratings reflect the expectation that BCE's subsidiary, Bell Canada, will remain a majority contributor to group revenues and EBITDA for the foreseeable future; BCE's competitive position as the largest diversified communications company in Canada; and BCE's
