Bell Canada advanced an enterprise AI strategy through an acquisition of a data engineering and analytics specialist by Ateko, a global IT services provider backed by the operator.

Few details of the acquisition were provided beyond the deal to acquire SDK Tek Services being completed, though Bell noted it would offer various AI-related benefits including those involving data sovereignty.

It stated SDK’s “proven ability to transform raw data into actionable intelligence complements Ateko’s” AI workflow automation expertise.

Bell expects a boost to its AI capabilities because Ateko is set to bolster its position in data sovereignty and systems integration. It backed SDK’s teams to contribute to the development and deployment of systems based on the technology, and provide the scale necessary to meet enterprise and government requirements.

Ateko CEO Guillaume Bazinet said SDK’s specialists advance domestic AI goals and strengthen “our nation’s ability to compete and win on the global stage”.

SDK chief David Keith said the acquisition brings the company’s “technical excellence” and abilities in solving “complex data challenges” into a “larger mission”.

He said the move “will deliver more comprehensive AI and data solutions”.