(TELUS)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Infrastructure Investment

TELUS investing $9 million in Red Deer this year

Jul 8, 2021 | 9:53 AM

TELUS has announced it is investing $9 million in Red Deer this year as part of the company’s $14.5 billion investment in infrastructure and operations across Alberta through 2024.

It’s hoped the investment will further support the province throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery. TELUS officials say 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.

TELUS’ investments in Red Deer include:

• Bringing 5G network speeds to Red Deer utilizing the company’s current spectrum holdings, enabling residents and businesses to access the fastest 5G 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 planned to have access to 5G, contributing to improved health and educational outcomes, enabling an entrepreneurial spirit and unleashing human productivity. It is estimated that 5G will create 250,000 jobs and contribute $150 billion to Canada’s economy over the next 20 years.
• Building new wireless infrastructure in response to the increasing demand for enhanced wireless connectivity throughout the city, ensuring TELUS wireless networks continue to meet and exceed the demands for reliable and fast connectivity in Red Deer.

“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,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, in a company press release.

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“Now more than ever, TELUS is committed to keeping our citizens and communities connected and productive through our globally leading wireless network, underpinned by our award-winning TELUS PureFibre infrastructure that provides the backbone for our 5G-enabled world. Indeed, across Alberta, the ongoing expansion of our broadband networks, ubiquitously deployed, are bridging time and distance, allowing residents 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,” adds Entwistle. “Our investments are enabling more Albertans with world-best connectivity to work, learn, socialize, access entertainment and transact safely and effectively from their homes.”

Company officials say TELUS is also supporting small businesses through its second national #StandWithOwners initiative, investing $1 million to promote these organizations in 2021. TELUS is supporting them with funding, localized advertising, and mentorship as they move forward. To apply, businesses can visit telus.com/standwithowners.

“TELUS and their employees have long been a big part of our communities in central Alberta,” said Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament for Red Deer-Mountain View. “I am pleased to see this week’s announcement of such a large-scale investment in Alberta, including $9 million for the Red Deer area. ”To support Red Deer throughout the last year, TELUS’ networks helped residents and businesses as we all adapted to new ways of living. As one of the province’s leading private sector employers, TELUS kept our 7,000 Albertan team members employed throughout COVID-19, including our more than 60 local team members right here in Red Deer.

“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,” added Rick More, Chief Executive Officer, Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce. “This investment by TELUS will connect central Albertans and businesses throughout the world, ensuring we are one of the best places to live, work, and start a business. This will be a critical piece in luring investors and new business growth to Red Deer.”

Since 2000, TELUS, its team members, and retirees have contributed more than $1.1 million and volunteered 99,000 hours in support of charities and community organizations located in Red Deer, including Youth HQ.

“TELUS has been instrumental in supporting our efforts in keeping youth and families connected during these challenging times, enabling us to continue to provide opportunities for children and youth to grow and discover their potential,” remarked Rob Lewis, Executive Director of Youth HQ.

For more information about TELUS’s investment in Red Deer, view the video below.