VANCOUVER and CALGARY — Telus announced today it is investing $10 million to bring improved cellular service and broadband Internet to Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, as well as $430 million in Calgary in 2022.
In today’s announcement regarding Haida Gwaii, Telus says it completed upgrades in June to “the Mascon by Telus high-speed Internet network that now provides access to speeds up to 120 Mbps for residents and businesses in Daajing Giids and Skidegate.”
Telus bought Mascon Cable Systems in early 2017, and in early 2020 acquired Gwaii Communications, which was folded into the Mascon brand.
In addition to enhancing broadband connectivity in the region, Telus also recently completed upgrades to its local wireless infrastructure, “bringing residents, business, and visitors access to high-speed wireless voice and Internet services in these communities for the first time,” the press release says.
“Our longstanding investments on Haida Gwaii are supporting critical, transformational change in respect to enabling online healthcare, education, and the ability to work from home or operate a local business and compete globally,” said Tony Geheran, Telus executive vice-president and chief operations officer, in the release.
“We continue to engage with communities and Indigenous leaders in ways that they want to engage with us, and believe it is our responsibility as a socially purpose driven organization to use our voice, business and relationships to encourage Reconciliation across Canada,” Geheran said.
On Haida Gwaii, “Telus engaged with leadership throughout these network enhancements, hired local workers, and used locally operated equipment rentals to complete the recent upgrades,” Telus’ press release says.
“Skidegate Band Council appreciates and supports the expansion of connectivity into our community. Our relationship with Telus via Mascon has led to infrastructure implementation and the creation of connectivity and support for our members and local government with their fibre connections,” said Chief Councillor Billy Yovanovich, Skidegate Band Council. “It came at a time when connectivity was lacking in many areas. Haawa (Thank You).”
The $430 million investment in Calgary for 2022 Telus announced today is part of a larger investment it is making in Alberta. In May, the company announced it was investing $17.5 billion in B.C. and $17 billion in Alberta in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum over the next four years.
Telus also announced this week it is celebrating the opening of Telus Sky, its “new state of the art headquarters” in downtown Calgary.
“Built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum standards — the highest LEED certification — Telus Sky is one of the most technologically innovative and environmentally-friendly sites in North America. This $400 million development continues Telus’ legacy of making powerful contributions to advance the economic strength and social vitality of both the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta,” the press release reads.
“This significant investment by Telus in our community further connects citizens to the tools they need to thrive, and will create more well-paying jobs for Calgarians,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “In addition, the opening of Telus Sky this week further showcases Telus’ commitment to our shared aspirations for a dynamic, transformative and sustainable future.”
