Telus announced Monday it will invest nearly $33 million in Montreal in 2024 as it deploys and updates its 5G networks and connects businesses to thousands of kilometres of fibre.
As part of its multi-year sponsorship agreement with Major League Soccer’s CF Montréal, Telus will invest $1.2 million to improve wireless connectivity at Stade Saputo, the team’s home stadium, giving fans “dedicated access to the 5G network for fast and reliable communications during games,” a Telus press release said.
“As a CF Montréal partner, it was critical to put cutting-edge wireless network infrastructure in place at Stade Saputo to provide a high-quality experience for all the fans who come out to attend games throughout the season,” said Nazim Benhadid, chief technology officer at Telus, in the press release. “As a proud partner of Canada Soccer, CF Montréal, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Canadian Premier League, we’re committed to supporting soccer coast to coast and to connect passionate fans from all backgrounds with their favorite teams.
“We are also investing throughout Montreal pursuing our commitment to give Montrealers and Montreal tourists access to world-class connectivity,” Benhadid added.
As part of the second year of its partnership with CF Montréal, Telus has launched the “Telus Fan Cam,” enabling spectators to take pictures of themselves in the stands using the eight 4K cameras installed throughout Stade Saputo. Fans can enter their seat number in the app on their smartphone and then frame and personalize their souvenir picture. “TELUS’ enhanced network makes this experience more efficient and enjoyable than ever,” the release said.
Other Telus investments in Montreal this year include providing advanced connectivity to the many festivals and events at Parc Jean-Drapeau. In addition, Telus is continuing its partnership with Zú, a Montreal hub established by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, which helps entrepreneurs draw on technology to develop products that transform creative industries. Telus is also participating in Canada’s first quantum communication testbed with technology think tank Numana, bringing companies and researchers together to help improve the security of computer communications.
Telus’s investment in Montreal is part of the Vancouver-based telecom’s commitment to invest $73 billion in Canada by 2028, including $10 billion in Quebec, for its infrastructure, operations and spectrum licensing and to improve the coverage, speed and reliability of its networks, the release said.
