$19.2 million
TELUS PureFibre expansion will transform connectivity in the region
– enabling faster speeds and enhancing wireless coverage
ROSE
PRAIRIE, BC, Aug. 8, 2024
/CNW/ - TELUS and Doig River First
Nation, in partnership with All Nations Trust Company, the
Government of Canada, the
Government of B.C. and the Northern Development Initiative Trust,
celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for TELUS PureFibre, which
will enable faster, more reliable internet and wireless
connectivity in Northeast B.C., unlocking new opportunities for
residents and businesses.
This $19.2-million project will
connect more than 60 households and a dozen businesses in
Doig River First Nation,
approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Fort St. John, as well as hundreds of
households in another 14 communities. This PureFibre expansion is a
continuation of TELUS' ongoing efforts to bring Western Canada's fastest and most reliable
internet technology to even more rural and Indigenous communities,
residents and businesses.
"This project moves us one step closer to a future where all
Indigenous communities can leverage connectivity to achieve their
unique goals and drive long-term prosperity," said Shazia Zeb Sobani, Vice-president of Customer
Network Planning at TELUS. "We are committed to continuing to work
closely with Indigenous, federal, provincial and local governments
to enhance access to our world-leading technology, so that
everyone, no matter where they live in Canada, can access the tools they need to
realize their full potential and shape their social and economic
outcomes more favourably."
To date, more than 16,000 homes in over 90 Indigenous
communities in British Columbia
have access to TELUS PureFibre. Soon, Doig
River First Nation will have access to the same
life-changing benefits and exciting possibilities that TELUS'
world-leading technology is enabling in education, employment,
business, healthcare and entertainment.
"This project is much more than a technology installation – it
is a beacon of future possibilities for our community," said
Doig River First Nation Chief,
Trevor Makadahay. "As we continue to
develop our nation, empower our youth and connect with our elders,
we see technology being required more and more. We need to be able
to participate meaningfully in our culture, heritage and the
opportunity that is ever present across the region. We are excited
to see this project come to fruition as we work together towards a
better tomorrow for our members. At milestone moments, such as
this, we thank our elders and all those who came before, laying the
groundwork for the successful present and future we will
undoubtedly create."
The new fibre-optic infrastructure will also serve as the
backbone for TELUS' wireless network, laying the groundwork for 5G
technologies in the years to come, and ensuring that people living
in Doig First Nation have the tools
they need to fully participate in the digital economy.
"This build is an example of the need to be futuristic in
meeting First Nations communities' needs for more reliable
internet," said Ruth WIlliams, ANTCO
Project Manager. "In 2011, Doig River First
Nation was one of the first communities connected to
broadband by Pathways to Technology. TELUS has been a long-term
partner with the Pathways project, and we are pleased to contribute
financially to this fibre upgrade."
"High-speed internet is essential for economic development and
diversification in rural communities," said Joel McKay, Chief Executive Officer, Northern
Development. "We're pleased to provide funding to TELUS to initiate
these improvements on Doig River First
Nation, and we thank our partner, the Province of B.C., for
enabling and supporting these types of investments in rural
British Columbia – they're a game
changer."
A 100 per cent 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 network available. As the only
100 per cent fibre network in Western
Canada, TELUS delivers unparalleled internet speeds,
specifically symmetrical upload and download speeds, using
sustainable and reliable technology.
"High-speed internet is more than a luxury, it's a necessity.
Working with TELUS, your federal government is bringing high-speed
internet to every home in British
Columbia by 2027. In today's digital world, communities big
and small need reliable internet access, whether it's for accessing
healthcare or growing a business," said the Honourable Gudie
Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister
responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
In 2021, TELUS became the first technology company in
Canada to launch a public
Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, embracing its corporate
responsibility in this area and ensuring accountability for its
strategic targets in four key areas: connectivity; enabling social
outcomes; cultural responsiveness and relationships; and economic
reconciliation. Through public-private partnerships, 606 Indigenous
lands have been connected to TELUS' broadband network and 248
Indigenous lands connected to TELUS' PureFibre network, positively
impacting rural and Indigenous households and businesses. To learn
more about TELUS' commitment to reconciliation, visit
telus.com/reconciliation.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading
communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 million
customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice,
television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose
is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to
drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our
longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every
aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer
service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades
TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading
network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS'
global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide
Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to
the people, resources and information that make our lives
better.
Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS Digital
Experience (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer
experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers
next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for
global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals,
including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and
fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and
others.
TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides
employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing
solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health
professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong
digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client
service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental
health outcomes covering over 75 million lives, and growing, around
the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital
insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods
enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store,
helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a
way that is traceable to end consumers.
Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens
for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give
where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute
$1.7 billion, including 2.2 million
days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and
unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company
in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com,
follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on
Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
Tricia Lo
TELUS Media Relations
tricia.lo@telus.com
SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.