A $7 million project to run fibre optic cable to homes and businesses in Creston and portions of Erickson has been a success, Telus spokesman Tony Geheran said while visiting the area recently.
Geheran, a Telus president and executive vice-president of broadband networks, said Creston was among 16 B.C. communities to be part of the first rollout of a project that will eventually deliver high-speed fibre optic broadband service to most of the province.
“In 2012 we looked at what Telus needed to do to continue its success in the areas we serve,” Geheran said. “To meet customer needs, fibre optics was the right investment for us to make.”
Small communities needed large investments, he said, and Telus looked at communities to be “collaborative partners”. Most, but not all, communities responded positively.
“We found the Town of Creston to be progressive and ready to participate,” he said. “They have been great partners.”
In addition to the economic boost provided by having dozens of employees and contract workers in Creston for several months, some community organizations also benefited.
“When we do well in each community we give something back, and we’re pleased to have done just that,” Geheran said.
The Creston Valley Public Library received a $5,000 donation, the Creston Valley Gleaners Society got $1,500 and the Creston and District Society for Community Living was given $500. Recipients were chosen from responses by Telus customers. As well, Telus employees participated the corporation’s Day of Giving, volunteering their services in helping to clean up the former West Creston ferry landing site, where a picnic area is now being created.
Included in the broadband project is extension of cellphone coverage to less densely populated areas, including highway corridors.
“Coverage to Cranbrook along Highway 3 is nearly complete,” Geheran said.
Cellphone service between Creston and Salmo is more problematic, he said, because electrical supplies have to be delivered to towers from the main power line that runs along the mountainside. Installation of a large cell tower can cost more than $500,000 — if power is available.
Geheran said the guideline for “a successful result” in supply fibre optic service to a community means that 30 per cent of businesses and residents sign on for Telus service during the installation period, and that the percentage increases to 50 per cent within a year.
“We hit our 90-day target in only 21 days,” he said. “We are now at a 47 per cent market share. We have had an exceptional response throughout B.C.”
Geheran was one of a half-dozen Telus representatives who met with Mayor Ron Toyota and town manager Lou Varela on July 28. Afterward, they met with Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce members to deliver their message that the project has been a success.
