Telus outlined Thursday what it is doing to tackle the harmful effects of climate change.
The telecom said it is deploying generators and solar-powered cell towers to help high-risk communities stay connected and clearing brush to prevent fires from burning vital infrastructure; building out its fibre network because the cable is more energy efficient and resistant to environmental factors; enhancing wildfire safety and response by providing real-time alerts, customizable emergency protocols and satellite-enabled communications for workers in remote areas; and investing in network redundancies, including with portable cell towers that generate their own power and connect via satellite.
“TELUS has been directly investing and taking steps to deal with the impacts of climate change for more than two decades,” Nazim Benhadid, Telus’s chief technology officer, said in a press release. “Over the last 5 years, we have spent $125 million to plan and respond to emergencies like floods and wildfires, protecting our networks, and investing to minimize the impact on affected communities – supporting our customers however we can during extremely difficult and stressful times.”
The release notes that Telus has contributed $12.6 million in cash donations and in-kind contributions to support individuals and communities across Canada and around the world affected by more than 20 natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
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Activating text-to-donate initiatives through TELUS Friendly Future Foundation where funds raised are directed to Canadian registered charities providing on-the-ground humanitarian support
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Ensuring access to emotional support for those impacted by crises or traumatic events through a free 24/7 community crisis hotline provided by TELUS Health
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Distributing adult and youth disaster relief kits at evacuation centres and throughout impacted communities along with internet connectivity
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Offering data top-ups and waiving long-distance mobile, home phone, texting and roaming fees for evacuees and those affected
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Leveraging its network of over 5,000 TELUS Community Ambassadors to help volunteer and provide aid to communities throughout Canada
Last month, Telus’s telco rival Bell outlined its own measures to address these emergency situations. The telco said it is putting in place measures including setting up a 24/7 Corporate Emergency Operations Centre as soon as impacts on customers are seen; a year-round daily network review to ensure network stability; preparation of key locations for maximum battery life; topping up fuel in generators and prioritizing the generators in locations with key wireless sites, high-density fibre routes and public safety communications; instituting refresher training for crews and a readiness to push them to regions most affected by the events; communicating with key public and emergency offices to ensure effective coordination and support; and working collaboratively with other network providers.
The country is coming off of its worst wildfire season ever, with damage to telecommunications infrastructure that required backup systems utilizing satellites.
Photo via Northwestel
