Telus is investing more than $40 million to keep the North Okanagan connected this year.
Vernon is gaining a $40 million investment while Armstrong is getting $1.1 million for new infrastructure and facilities to connect more homes and businesses directly to Telus’ gigabit-enabled fibre optic network; increase wireless capacity to meet growing demand; and to improve the reach, speed and capacity of Telus’ high-speed Internet service.
“Our $35 million investment to connect homes and businesses to Telus Fibre just started in Vernon, and is moving along nicely. Building upon that investment, we’re injecting another $5 million into the community to enhance our high-speed Internet and wireless networks in the community, working to stay a step ahead of the exploding demand to ensure customers stay connected at home and on the go,” said Steven Jenkins, Telus general manager for the Southern Interior. “I’d like to take an opportunity to thank our local team members for their dedication to our community year round. Our local team not only ensures our communications networks are up and running making, but they take time to volunteer throughout the community with organizations including the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and local cubs and scouts groups, and volunteer to clean up our local trails to ensure they’re safe for our families to enjoy. We’re fortunate to have such tremendously committed team members serving Vernon, and we look forward to completing our fibre build by the end of the year.”
The massive fibre optic network build in Armstrong is nearing completion, and many residents and businesses are already taking advantage of the enhanced Internet speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
“This investment by Telus in a local fibre system will create a 21st century network for Armstrong area residents and businesses,” said Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo. “Online communication helps drive every sector of today’s economy, which is why an important commitment in our #BCTECH Strategy is to provide high-speed Internet access to 100 per cent of the province by 2021.”
This significant investment is part of Telus’ commitment to invest $4.5 billion in British Columbia through 2019 to extend fibre optic infrastructure directly to thousands of homes and businesses in rural and urban communities, further strengthen wireless service, and support key services including healthcare and education with new technologies.
By the end of 2019, Telus will have invested $51 billion in British Columbia since the year 2000.
“The #BCTECH Strategy lays out why every community needs fast and reliable Internet service,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.
“Telus’ investment means better online access to health services, educational resources and economic opportunities for residents and local businesses in Vernon and the surrounding area, with plenty of capacity to connect to customers, family and friends around the world.”
Currently, Telus provides electronic medical records to more than 15,000 Canadian physicians as well as health benefits management solutions to more than 10,000 pharmacies, 11,000 dental clinics and 33,000 extended healthcare providers across the country.
Telus Health has invested more than $1.6 billion to bring patient-centred solutions to market to improve the flow of information across the healthcare continuum and enabling better health outcomes for British Columbians and all Canadians.