The Telus building in Toronto is pictured in a Dreamstime stock image

By Charles Lefebvre

Significant investment

Telus announces $16 billion over five years to improve internet in Alberta

Sep 25, 2019 | 4:49 PM

EDMONTON, AB — Telus has announced a multi-billion dollar investment into Alberta internet over the next five years.

The telecommunications company announced Tuesday they plan to invest $16 billion in Alberta to expand its broadband infrastructure network in the province.

“Telus is proud to be making this generational investment in Alberta, providing the technology to bridge geographic and socio-economic divides and connect citizens to the people, resources and information that make their lives better,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of Telus in a statement.

The investment, according to a news release from the company, includes connecting more homes, businesses and schools to its PureFibre network, preparing the province for the introduction of a 5G network and support increased Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities and agriculture technologies.

Telus says as part of the investment, they plant on hiring 5,000 workers over the next five years.

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Premier Jason Kenney also spoke about the announcement, saying it’s a demonstration of business confidence in Alberta.

“Telus’ world-class communications infrastructure will help unleash the next generation of our innovators, and empower those job creators who can take advantage of the latest technology to move our province forward,” the premier said in a statement. “This investment shows confidence in the Alberta economy, with the promise of 5,000 jobs to be created here over the next 5 years. Our government is committed to working with job creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to make it easier to open a start-up, grow a business or create jobs, and this incredible investment by TELUS is proof that it is paying off.”

The PureFibre network was first launched in Blackfalds, Alberta. Telus has invested $3 billion since 2013 to help connect 125 communities and 2 million residences to the PureFibre network.

CHAT News reached out to Telus to find out information about where infrastructure will be built and any plans for southeastern Alberta, but did not receive a response on Wednesday.