TELUS announces British Columbia LTE expansion plans

TELUSTELUS this week announced that it will spend CA$3 billion over the next three years in British Columbia to expand both its wireless and wireline broadband networks across the province as well as build the TELUS Garden, an office and residential development in Vancouver.

“The economic backbone of our province relies on investment and innovation. TELUS’ $3 billion investment over the next three years will support significant economic and community development in every region of British Columbia,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO. “We will continue to expand wireline broadband access to rural and remote communities and deliver the world’s fastest wireless technology to almost 90 per cent of British Columbians by the end of this year. We are building the communications technology and infrastructure that will help B.C. companies compete on the world stage, create local employment opportunities, and advance healthcare and education across the province.”

Part of the TELUS investment will go to expand its just launched LTE network. Currently only covering Vancouver, 20 additional communities will receive coverage this year alone. These are Burnaby, Delta, North Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Surrey/White Rock, Hope, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Victoria, Whistler, Nanaimo, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Prince George and Dawson Creek. By year’s end, nearly 90 percent of BC’s population will have LTE coverage.

TELUS promises additional coverage in upcoming years if “TELUS is able to secure the necessary wireless spectrum through Industry Canada’s upcoming spectrum auctions.”

Read more: TELUS Mobility