- TELUS (T) breaks ground near Alberta’s oil sands, investing $21 million in PureFibre network
- Brings PureFibre to rural communities, representing one of TELUS’ largest municipal collaborations to date
- The RMWB is contributing $13.2M to the project, representing one of the single largest partnerships between TELUS and a municipality
- In the past, the municipality has lacked social programs and at times, funds from the provincial government
- Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than $55 billion in technology in Alberta
- TELUS (T) is down 0.13 per cent, trading at $30.87 at 1:31 pm EST
TELUS (T) will break ground this summer, working with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to connect several rural communities to the TELUS PureFibre network.
It looks like there may be more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses within the footprint will be connected by the end of 2023.
Together, both TELUS and the RMWB will be investing $21 million to complete this network infrastructure, connecting residents and businesses in the various communities included in the area.
Communities such as Anzac, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Conklin Métis, Draper, Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McKay Métis, Fort McMurray First Nation, Gregoire Lake Estates, Janvier Métis, and Willow Lake Métis directly to gigabit Internet speeds while expanding cellular coverage throughout the region.
The RMWB is contributing $13.2M to the project, representing one of the most significant partnerships between TELUS and a municipality to expand connectivity.
This project is part of TELUS’ investment of $17 billion in network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across Alberta over the next four years, and its commitment to investing $70 billion overall across Canada by 2026.
“This $21 million investment in Wood Buffalo is a true demonstration of TELUS’ long-standing commitment to improving the lives of Canadians by connecting communities from coast to coast with our global-leading wireless PureFibre network,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS.
In the past, the municipality has lacked social programs and at times, funds from the provincial government.
After the horrific 2016 fires in the area causing more than 80,000 people to flee their homes, the Insurance Burea of Canada calculated that 2,579 homes were destroyed, Adding up to $3.6 billion dollars in damages.
Some people, specifically people who resided in Fort McMurray, did not come back after fleeing to bigger cities. “Importantly, through our investment, we are supporting the social and economic vibrancy of the citizens of Wood Buffalo and ensuring that every member of our society has access to the technology that yields the opportunity to realize their full potential,” added Entwistle.
A 100 per cent pure fibre-to-the-home network means that every part of the TELUS PureFibre network is built with state-of-the-art fibre optics, right up to the connection point at the home or business, ensuring customers have the fastest, most capable network available.
“For people and businesses, enhanced Internet service will improve their online experience and how they connect socially, conduct business, access services, and enjoy entertainment,” said Sandy Bowman, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
“This infrastructure will promote connectivity and open the door to new possibilities and contribute to a better opportunity in our communities,” added Bowman.
“As a progressively developing First Nation Community, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation welcomes TELUS and the investment into building world-class communications infrastructure on reserve,” said Cindy Miller, Fort McMurray First Nation Band Manager.
Cindy Miller is the First Nation Band Manager of Fort McMurray, and she is looking forward to this partnership and what it means for the community. “More members will have unrestricted access to online programming and opportunities to connect with friends, family and relations from all over the world.”
Miller added that “With many Elders’ joining the digital world, it is vital to offer a secure, reliable high-speed connection so they are included in all events and activities from the comfort of home.”
Since 2000, TELUS has invested $220 billion nationally in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum, including more than $55 billion in technology and operations in Alberta.
TELUS is a communications technology company with $17 billion in annual revenue and 17 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security.
TELUS Stock is down 0.13 per cent, trading at $30.87 at 1:31 pm EST.
