Telus is investing more than $13.5 billion over the next five years in Alberta — including $8 million in Red Deer in 2025 — to expand and enhance its network infrastructure and operations across the province.
The capital expenditure in Red Deer includes upgrades to wireless and wireline infrastructure, copper-to-fibre transitions and community support.
Telus previously announced a $10-million investment specifically in wireless services in Red Deer over the next three years, complementing the $168-million investment by F3 Networks to bring the fibre-optic network TELUS PureFibre to the city.
A portion of the $10 million is included in the $8-million investment.
Mayor Ken Johnston thanked Telus for its ongoing commitment to serving the city.
"These investments in wireless infrastructure are more than just technology upgrades, they directly enhance the quality of life for all Red Deerians. As we continue to grow as a thriving, engaged, and connected city, reliable connectivity is essential for everything from business and education to daily life," said Johnston, in a statement.
Now through 2029, some of the Telus projects in Alberta include bringing TELUS PureFibre connectivity to more homes and businesses; deploying targeted enhancements to Telus 5G and LTE services at 69 sites province-wide this year; and growing the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation and TELUS Community Boards, which have given $7.6 million in grants since 2018 to local youth-focused charities in Alberta.
Premier Danielle Smith said the $13.5-billion investment is a significant boost to Alberta's technological infrastructure and economic landscape.
"This initiative will enhance connectivity in both urban and rural areas, support vital Jasper wildfire recovery efforts, and drive forward our commitment to innovation and growth," Smith said.
Telus president and CEO Darren Entwistle said the company recognizes that sustained, transformative capital deployment is not only critical for advancing digital inclusion, but also for unleashing Alberta’s full economic potential in the years to come.
"For more than 125 years, TELUS has been headquartered in Western Canada, building a legacy of advancing Alberta’s economic and social prosperity. Indeed, against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty, TELUS stands as one of the few companies committing to bold, future-focused technology investments," Entwistle said.
He called the investment a cornerstone of Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage, driving critical transformational change and advancing TELUS' leadership in Canadian AI sovereignty, innovation and development.
