Spurred by the work-from-home movement that started during the pandemic, Telus is investing $9 million to bring faster, more reliable wireless service to Red Deer this year.
Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of Telus, said that residents will be able to live and work in any community without compromising productivity or economic opportunity.
“As we look ahead with optimism to a period of social and economic recovery, our investments are enabling more Albertans with world-best connectivity to work, learn, socialize, access entertainment and transact safely and effectively from their homes,” he added.
The project is part of the company’s $14.5 billion investment in infrastructure and operations across Alberta to 2024. “These investments will create important and tangible social outcomes by enabling Albertans to work, learn, access healthcare, and socialize from home during these unprecedented times,” states a release from Telus.
The company aims to bring faster network speeds to Red Deer, “enabling residents and businesses to access the fastest 5G (fifth-generation) network in Canada, providing speeds up to 1.7 Gbps.”
By the end of the year, 153 communities, including 31 First Nations across the province are expected to have access to quicker, more reliable wireless services. Telus estimates the project’s impact will include creating 250,000 jobs and contributing $150 billion to Canada’s economy over the next 20 years.
Entwistle said, “Telus is proud to make this generational investment in Red Deer, providing the technology to connect citizens to loved ones, as well as vital resources and information as we continue to navigate the global pandemic.”
The project is welcomed by the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce and Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen.
“It’s always exciting to see private investment made in our great community, especially when it’s something as cutting-edge and revolutionary as 5G infrastructure,” said chamber CEO Rick More. He believes it will be a “critical piece in luring investors and new business growth to Red Deer.”
Telus stated, as one of the province’s leading private sector employers, it’s kept 7,000 Albertan workers employed throughout COVID-19, “including our more than 60 local team members right here in Red Deer.”
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter