TELUS announced yesterday (lost amongst WWDC coverage) it has been actively expanding its free public Wi-Fi network and there are now over 8,000 hotspots available in BC and Alberta.
The Wi-Fi network allows TELUS customers seamlessly move back and forth between 4G wireless networks, which can help customers save data. The company says unlike other Wi-Fi networks offered by carriers (a stab at Bell?), theirs is open to the public.
The company says it is working with “thousands of businesses” including the likes of 7-Eleven, Fountain Tire, Vancity Credit Union and sporting venues such as BC Place and Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium to install Wi-Fi. It is also currently installing Wi-Fi at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ represent).
Eros Spadotto, TELUS’ executive vice-president of Technology Strategy said in a statement, “Our public Wi-Fi network is built to complement our world-class 4G network by providing our customers with new ways to connect and enjoy the best possible network experience, while also enabling our business clients to offer added value to their own customers.”
Adding a Wi-Fi hotspot is a “value-added service” for TELUS business Internet customers, installed and maintained by the company free of charge. Having the availability of free Wi-Fi can help companies stay competitive, according to a recent survey commissioned by TELUS.
