Telus 5G Tech Helps Edmonton Police Keep Playoff Crowds Safe

Telus says it has pulled off a first in Canada, using 5G technology to make sure Edmonton police didn’t lose access to critical security cameras during the busiest moments of the Oilers’ playoff run.

Working with Edmonton Police Service (EPS), Telus tested something called “5G priority slicing” — a tool that carves out a guaranteed lane of wireless traffic for emergency responders. That meant the city’s surveillance cameras downtown stayed up and running smoothly, even when regular phone and data networks got overloaded with crowds during playoff games.

The result: clear, uninterrupted video feeds, giving police full situational awareness in real time. According to Telus, the test marked the first time this kind of 5G “slice” was used in a live emergency services setting in Canada.

“This groundbreaking priority slice trial showcases our commitment to bring Canadians the best technology for when it matters most,” said Heather Tulk, President, Commercial and Public Sector at Telus, in a statement to iPhone in Canada. “By guaranteeing network performance and crystal-clear video for first responders during critical moments, we’re not just implementing new technology, we’re actively supporting public safety and those who protect our communities.”

EPS said the tech gave them an edge in managing large crowds.

“This 5G Priority Slice technology represents a major leap forward in our public safety capabilities,” said David Lust, Executive Director of Information Technology at Edmonton Police Service. “The ability to maintain clear, uninterrupted video feeds during high-traffic events is invaluable for our operations. We’re eager to explore how this solution can be expanded to enhance our services and increase community safety citywide.”

Both Telus and EPS say they’re looking into how the tech can be rolled out more widely across the city.