EDMONTON – Telus is investing $1 billion in Edmonton to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses directly to its fibre optic network over the next six years, the company said Friday.
When the service is launched in Edmonton later this year, local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of Internet speeds of up to 150 Mbps. There is no requirement to be a current Telus customer to be connected to the network, nor are there any conditions to purchase services once the network construction is complete, the company added.
“Our $1 billion investment in Edmonton will create Canada's largest urban centre with nearly ubiquitous access to the fastest and most reliable Internet services to dramatically improve the way Edmontonians live, work and socialise in a digital world," said Telus' executive chair Darren Entwistle, in the news release. “Indeed, with less than 10 per cent of North Americans currently linked to a fibre optic network, Telus is providing a distinct advantage to the city and its citizens who will ultimately have superior access to economic growth opportunities, critical healthcare solutions, world-class education programs and exciting social applications to enhance their fast-moving consumer lifestyles."
The commitment is part of Telus' plan to invest an additional $4.2 billion in Alberta through 2018. When combined with operational expenses, this will bring Telus’ total investment in the province over the next four years to more than $11 billion.
