Rendering of proposed Telus Garden project in Vancouver.

Rendering of proposed Telus Garden project in Vancouver.

Telus intends to spend $3 billion, hire 1,300

Telecom firm promises ambitious expansion plan including technology upgrades

Telus unveiled plans Friday to invest $3 billion on new technology and its operations in B.C. over the next three years.

The telecommunications company says its plans include an expansion of its advanced wireless and wireline broadband networks, as well as the construction of Telus Garden, its $750-million office and residential development in downtown Vancouver.

The firm, B.C.’s largest private sector employer, plans to hire another 1,300 people across the province as a result of the expansion program – 500 to build Telus Garden and 800 to support its Optik TV and wireless growth projects.

Telus plans include:

  • Rollout of its 4G LTE wireless network this year to Burnaby, Delta, North Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Surrey/White Rock, Hope, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Victoria, Whistler, Nanaimo, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Prince George and Dawson Creek.
  • Extension of high speed Internet to more rural and remote communities, along with extended wireless coverage on remote B.C. highways.

“We are building the communications technology and infrastructure that will help B.C. companies compete on the world stage, create local employment opportunities, and advance healthcare and education across the province,” Telus president and CEO Darren Entwistle said.

Surrey Now Leader