Investment to help build next generation ORAN
network and support positive economic, health and social outcomes
for Ontarians
VANCOUVER, BC, May 21, 2024
/CNW/ - TELUS is investing more than $24
billion to significantly expand and improve its network
infrastructure and operations across Ontario over the next five years, supporting
innovation, growth and strong, vibrant communities. It's also part
of a larger commitment to deploy $73
billion across Canada by
2028 to develop infrastructure, improve sustainability and advance
its network technology. These investments are critical to
connecting Ontarians with the people, resources and information
that enrich their lives and underscores TELUS' unwavering
commitment to advancing technology and connectivity nationwide.
Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than $68
billion in Ontario to build
and develop network infrastructure, operations and spectrum,
connecting families and businesses to TELUS' world-leading 5G and
TELUS PureFibre networks and cementing TELUS' position as the
nation's fastest internet service provider.*
"At TELUS, we know that a reliable and powerful network is
essential in keeping Ontarians connected to the people, information
and resources that matter most," said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS.
"That is why we are investing more than $24
billion in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum
in Ontario over the next five
years, bringing our total commitment to $73
billion across Canada by
2028. These investments will ensure that our customers continue to
benefit from the best network experience in the world, which
facilitates crucial, generational changes in healthcare, education,
teleworking, the environment and our digital economy and societies.
Perhaps most importantly, our networks also bridge digital and
socioeconomic divides, so every member of our society has the
opportunity to reach their full potential."
TELUS is shaping the future by using its world-leading networks
to enhance productivity and foster positive innovations in health,
education, agriculture, climate change, energy, transportation and
social equity, helping to fuel economic growth across the province.
Driven by a deep sense of compassion and inspired by its dedicated
team, TELUS is committed to addressing the most pressing challenges
of today. The company is focused on delivering industry-best
technology solutions and programs that positively impact lives,
with ongoing plans through 2028 to make a meaningful difference in
Ontario and across Canada.
Now through 2028 in Ontario,
TELUS is:
- Enhancing its world-leading networks to make them faster,
smarter and greener
- TELUS is enhancing its 5G network with ORAN
technology across Ontario and
Canada, creating more reliable,
adaptable and faster connections. It's not just smarter, it's also
kinder to the planet by using resources more efficiently and
cutting down on energy use.
- TELUS is using AI and advanced analytics to plan new
infrastructure builds that will optimize coverage and network
performance. In 2024, TELUS plans to build new cell towers across
Ontario - expanding coverage in
areas including Ottawa and
Windsor.
- Celebrating ten years and 215,000 people served by TELUS
Mobile Health Clinics
- TELUS Health for Good Mobile Clinics are providing healthcare
to the most marginalized among us while respecting their privacy
and dignity. With over $13 million
invested in cash, in-kind contributions, time and support
nationwide, the program is now celebrating 10 years of providing
care in 25 Canadian communities. With $4.4
million invested in Ontario, TELUS Health for Good has supported
more than 82,000 patient visits in partnership with local health
centers. Helping prevent an estimated 16,000 emergency room
visits.
- TELUS Health has been selected by Ontario Health to provide a
Remote Care Management (RCM) solution in the province. This
state-of-the-art solution will equip health practitioners with
tools to actively monitor patients from a distance over time,
resulting in early detection of patients in need of quick
intervention, reduced hospital admissions and improved patient
outcomes.
- Inspiring Canadians and supporting youth through sport
- In June 2023, TELUS proudly
partnered with Canada Soccer, aligning with the excitement of the
FIFA Women's World Cup. Additionally, as the title partner of the
Canadian Championship – the exclusive pathway for Canadian clubs to
the CONCACAF Champions League –TELUS is not just sponsoring, it is
actively fostering the growth of soccer. The company's involvement
supports the sport's development locally and contributes to its
global reach, creating new opportunities for youth engagement and
stimulating economic benefits through increased sports
participation and event hosting.
- TELUS is also the title sponsor of the SheCan Coach program, a
national coach recruitment, development and training program with
the goal of ensuring more women and girls can enjoy the benefits of
soccer by addressing the current challenges that they face relating
to participation.
- In April 2023 TELUS partnered
with the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and rallied Canadians to
support those in need by collecting gently used equipment with all
8 CPL teams and redistributing the items collected to
underprivileged communities nationwide, helping to create
opportunities for soccer participation in Canada while inspiring youth to reach their
full potential through sport.
- Innovating for a more sustainable future
- TELUS' 2023 Sustainability and ESG Report highlights its
significant efforts and progress to meet the company's ambitious
goal to use 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025. Notably,
TELUS has issued six sustainability-linked bonds since 2021
totaling CAD 3.7 billion and
USD 900 million, tying the progress
on reaching its science-based operational decarbonization goals to
its financing needs. The company's dedication to environmental
goals has earned it a spot on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
for the 23rd consecutive year.
- Notably, TELUS offers internet and mobile connectivity to allow
its customers to live, work, learn, shop and see a doctor -
virtually - from anywhere, thereby reducing unnecessary commuting
and helping its customers transition to a low-carbon,
nature-positive future.
- Continuing its emphasis on sustainability, TELUS has
successfully diverted over 15 million devices from landfills and
has up-cycled or recycled more than four million mobile devices
since 2005. To help bridge the digital divide TELUS has donated
more than 32,000 devices to help keep those in need connected and
since 2001, has donated more than 38,000 computers to the
Government of Canada's Computers
for School program.
- Revolutionizing entertainment
- TELUS is revolutionizing the home entertainment experience with
Stream+, an all-encompassing bundle that combines three of
Canada's top streaming services.
This offering is now available nationwide for both TELUS and Koodo
customers, ensuring everyone can enjoy their favourite content
seamlessly.
- Earlier this year, Koodo's Happy Stack, the ultimate package
for connectivity and entertainment, extended its reach, offering
customers in Ontario the
opportunity to combine mobility, home internet and entertainment
into one convenient and cost-effective bundle.
- Giving back to the community
- In 2024, TELUS' Canadian Community Boards announced that they
have surpassed $100 million in giving
since 2005 to charitable organizations that support youth in their
regions. This includes the TELUS Greater Toronto & Hamilton
Area Community Board granting $850,000 to support 50 exceptional youth
charities, 12 health programs and 38 education programs in
2023
- In 2023, the TELUS Ottawa & Eastern Ontario Community Board granted
$400,000 to support 24 exceptional
youth charities, 9 health programs and 15 education programs,
surpassing awarding 600 grants to grassroots organizations
impacting youth in their region.
- Advancing its commitment to reconciliation
- In July 2023, TELUS announced a
doubling of its commitment to the TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund
from $1 million to $2 million over the next five years. The fund
offers grants for Indigenous-led social, health and community
programs. Since its inception in November
2021, TELUS has distributed $575,000 in cash donations to 29 community
programs supporting food security, education, cultural and
linguistic revitalization, wildfire relief efforts, and the health,
mental-health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples across
Canada.
- In November 2023, TELUS was named
as part of the Indigenomics 10 to Watch list for its leadership in
furthering the growth of the $100
billion Indigenous economy. This award was presented during
the Indigenomics on Bay Street event, which brings together leaders
from the financial sector, governments and Indigenous businesses to
advance economic reconciliation.
From 2000 through 2023, TELUS has invested $259 billion nationally in network
infrastructure, operations and spectrum, including more than
$68 billion in Ontario. These investments are consistent with
TELUS' capital expenditure guidance for 2024 as disclosed in the
company's fourth quarter 2023 results and 2024 targets news release
dated February 9, 2024.
TELUS also embraces tax morality as a means of further investing
in the communities it serves. Since 2000, TELUS has paid
approximately $57 billion in total
tax and spectrum remittances to federal, provincial, and municipal
governments across Canada,
consisting of corporate income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes,
employer portion of payroll taxes, various regulatory fees, and
spectrum remittances, including more than $2.3 billion in taxes in 2023 alone. These funds
support public works projects, education, healthcare, cultural
pursuits, and other initiatives that improve the social and
economic well-being of the communities TELUS operates in.
Since 2000, TELUS, its team members and retirees have provided
over $148 million in cash, in-kind
contributions, time and programs and volunteered 1.7 million hours
to charities and community organizations located in Ontario.
Forward-Looking
Statements
This news release contains statements about future events and
plans that are forward-looking, including statements relating to
TELUS' infrastructure, operations, services and spectrum investment
plans, anticipated connections to our PureFibre network footprint,
and our environmental targets. These forward-looking statements are
made based on a number of assumptions and readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on them as there is significant risk that
actual results may vary materially from these forward-looking
statements, including as a result of risks relating to regulatory
decisions and developments, the competitive environment in which we
operate, and our operating and financial results.
The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject
to the cautionary note and based on the assumptions, qualifications
and risks described in detail in TELUS' 2023 annual Management's
discussion and analysis (MD&A) and first quarter 2024 MD&A,
which are incorporated by reference herein, and in other TELUS
public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions
in Canada (on SEDAR+ at
sedarplus.ca) and in the United
States (on EDGAR at sec.gov). Forward-looking statements
describe TELUS' expectations and are based on our assumptions as at
the date of this press release and are subject to change. These
statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of
applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except as required by
law, TELUS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise forward-looking statements.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading
communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 million
customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice,
television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose
is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to
drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our
longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every
aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer
service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades
TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading
network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS'
global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide
Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to
the people, resources and information that make our lives
better.
Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International
(TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience
innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation
solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and
disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including
tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech,
banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and
others.
TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides
employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing
solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health
professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong
digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client
service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental
health outcomes covering nearly 72 million lives, and growing,
around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and
digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer
Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to
store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other
goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.
Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens
for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give
where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute
$1.7 billion, including 2.2 million
days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and
unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company
in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com,
follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on
Instagram.
For more information, please
contact:
Athyu Eleti
TELUS Public Relations
athyu.eleti@telus.com
SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.