TELUS investing $840 million in Quebec over the ne TELUS investing $840 million in Quebec over the next three years
TELUS expanding wireless and wireline networks, connecting rural communities and building its advanced Internet Data Centre in Rimouski
MONTREAL, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - TELUS will invest $840 million in Quebec over the next three years to expand and enhance its wireless and wireline networks. This major announcement coincides with TELUS' 85th anniversary in Quebec and brings the company's investments in the province to $12.3 billion since 2000.
"TELUS is an employer of choice and leader in the telecommunications sector in Québec. We are committed to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the province and all its regions as we believe leading edge technologies and robust infrastructure can be the foundation of a stronger economy. That's why we will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure for consumer, business and healthcare markets," said François Côté, President of TELUS Québec and TELUS Health Solutions. "This year, TELUS will further extend our 4G LTE - the fastest wireless technology in the world - to the Montreal Metropolitan region and the Quebec City area, while bringing new wireless and broadband services to even more rural communities. Our significant growth in Quebec has been made possible because of our customers' trust and loyalty in TELUS and our products and services."
TELUS' $840 million investment will support the:
- Expansion of TELUS' new 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless network in Montreal Metropolitan and Quebec City regions as well as other communities across the province, to provide technology to more Quebecers by the end of 2012. The network's coverage into rural areas is dependent on the success and timing of TELUS acquiring wireless spectrum through Industry Canada's upcoming spectrum auction. 4G LTE is the most advanced, fastest wireless technology available in the world today.
- Extension of TELUS' wireless and wireline networks in Quebec's remote communities and the installation of nearly 75 new wireless sites across the province to increase TELUS' wireless network capacity and reach. The company offers high speed Internet access to more than 97 per cent of the province's population and the extensive coverage it offers to residents of rural areas in Québec sets TELUS apart.
- Expansion of Optik TV and Internet services to more clients in the Greater Quebec City, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord regions, including Gaspé, Donnacona, Montmagny, Sept-Îles and Port-Cartier.
- Construction of Rimouski's advanced Internet Data Centre. Built to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards, TELUS' new Internet Data Centre will rank among the most environmentally-friendly in North America. It will provide local and international businesses with the highest levels of IT management reliability, security and scalability. The Centre is scheduled to open in 2012 with initial investments of $65 million.
- Enhancement of TELUS' wireless and wireline networks for Quebec's business market. TELUS' ever-increasing presence in the public, parapublic, private and healthcare markets confirms the company's leadership position in the province's competitive landscape.
- Improvement of healthcare IT delivery through the deployment and integration of TELUS heathcare technology across Quebec. TELUS is a Canadian leader in telehealth, electronic health records, remote patient monitoring, mobile home and community care, consumer health, benefits management and pharmacy management. In addition to offering solutions that support healthcare efficiency in Quebec, TELUS is committed to investing in the future and evolution of the province's healthcare network.
- Annual commitment to develop unique fundraising projects to benefit local charities such as Opération Enfant Soleil. TELUS donated more than $500,000 to this charity to support the development of quality pediatric care and social intervention projects for children across Quebec.
"Our community involvement is just as important and close to our hearts as our infrastructure investments. At TELUS, we adhere to a rather simple philosophy that goes a long way - we give where we live," said Mr. Côté. "Since 2005, TELUS, its team members and its three TELUS Community Boards in this province have donated close to $30 million to support local Quebec organizations, including Opération Enfant Soleil, the Dr Julien Foundation, Oeuvres Jean Lafrance and the Association du cancer de l'Est du Québec. Last year, our 5,500 team members in Quebec volunteered a total of 57,000 hours. In 2012, TELUS is committed to donate an extra $5 million, namely to support innovative community projects that help our youth."
The capital investment disclosed in this release is consistent with TELUS' overall capital expenditure guidance for 2012.
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