Telus to Invest $20 Million in Nelson; Haida Gwaii Village Gets Wireless for First Time

Telus recently announced new investments for two communities in British Columbia.

For those in the city of Nelson, Telus will invest $20 million “to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses” to its fibre optic network. The company says construction on its PureFibre network will start this summer with the majority of completion expected by the end of 2019.

In regards to wireless, Nelson and Slocan recently gained two cell towers, while Rossland had its wireless site upgraded, “bringing enhanced and more reliable cellular connectivity to residents, businesses and visitors in the region.”

“TELUS’ commitment to high-speed Internet for Nelson is great news,” said Acting Mayor Rik Logtenberg, in a statement. “New technology like self-driving cars and virtual reality require the faster speeds and lower latency. Having these speeds will help set us up for the future.”

Haida Gwaii Wireless Service Now Live in Port Clements

Telus also announced it has finished construction of a new wireless site in the Village of Port Clements in Haida Gwaii, at an investment of $500,000. This marks the first time high-speed voice and Internet services are available in the community.

“Now, residents can stay connected to family, friends, and their work whether they’re at home or on the road. Perhaps most critically, this new wireless coverage means residents can call 911 from the road in the event of an accident or medical emergency,” said Lance MacDonald, TELUS General Manager for Northern British Columbia, in a statement.



The new cell tower is located at 22 Park Street, which saw construction begin last year. Telus emphasized it hired local contractors and more to build this site.

“We continue to make significant investments to enhance service across our province, and we are very grateful to the Village of Port Clements for their ongoing advocacy for this service, and their partnership with TELUS,” said MacDonald.

Telus has committed to invest $4.7 billion throughout B.C. from 2017-2020, and this investment in Port Clements is part of the investment.

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