VANCOUVER – Telus said today it intends to invest $4 billion in new infrastructure and facilities across its home province of British Columbia through 2018, including $1 billion this year alone.
When combined with operational expenses, this will bring Telus' total investment in British Columbia over the next four years to $11.5 billion, the company said in a press release today.
By the end of 2018, Telus will have invested more than $47 billion in British Columbia since 2000 to extend the reach of advanced telecommunications infrastructure and healthcare technology, ensuring sustained innovation and fueling the province's economic growth.
“Our $4 billion investment over the next four years will enhance and extend our pervasive broadband coverage across B.C., making the province a national showcase for connectivity, innovation and technology leadership,” said Darren Entwistle, Telus executive chair, in the release. “Most notably, it will have a tangible impact on citizen's lives as we directly connect homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, community centres and municipal governments in all corners of the province to our fibre optic network, thereby providing critical access to next-generation health, education, business and government services and applications.
“Furthermore, we will simultaneously enhance every wireless site in B.C. with 4G LTE, the most advanced and fastest wireless technology available."
"Telus' commitment to British Columbia extends well beyond its investments in infrastructure and operations," added Entwistle. "Tax morality is one of the most significant global issues facing corporations and society today. Since 2000 Telus has remitted more than $3.5 billion in income, payroll, property and other taxes to B.C.'s provincial and municipal governments, supporting critical social services across the province.
“Most importantly, Telus and its 20,000 team members, community board members and retirees who live and work in British Columbia have donated more than $120 million and volunteered more than 3.3 million hours since 2000 to foster better social outcomes for British Columbians in need of a helping hand,” added Entwistle.
“Finally, Telus will complete the construction of Telus Garden this year, our new national headquarters in downtown Vancouver. Designed and built to LEED Platinum standards to reflect Telus' deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, this $750 million project has supported the local economy by creating more than 520 jobs, and has attracted many high quality tenants, including Amazon."
For the full release, click here.
