The original version of this article, published earlier today, contained an incorrect rating in the headline and an incorrect dateline. A corrected version follows. On March 2, 2004, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A-' senior unsecured debt rating to telecommunications company BCE Inc.'s (BCE) C$1.0 billion MTN program. The proceeds of any issues made under the program will be used to refinance existing debt and for general corporate purposes. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A' long-term corporate credit rating on BCE and Bell Canada. The outlook is stable. The ratings on Montreal, Que.-based holding company, BCE, reflect the consolidated credit risk of its various operating subsidiaries, but principally its wholly owned subsidiary, Bell Canada.
