The Canadian operator reinforces its commitment to the country’s digital transformation with an ambitious investment plan through 2029, which includes sovereign data centers, 5G network expansion, and connectivity for Indigenous communities.
TELUS has announced an investment of over CAD 15 billion by 2029 in British Columbia as part of its national strategy to enhance connectivity, promote technological innovation, and support Canadian leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of a larger commitment that amounts to a total of CAD 70 billion across the country.
Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, emphasized that this investment goes beyond traditional infrastructure: “It is a cornerstone for Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage. We are empowering advanced digital services, driving innovation across sectors, and promoting a more resilient and inclusive society.”
Sovereign AI and Rural Connectivity
One of the most notable pillars of this plan is the establishment of a Sovereign AI Factory in Kamloops, one of only two such centers in Canada. This secure facility will enable companies and research centers in the country to develop AI solutions while keeping all data and processes within national borders, aligning with the vision of digital sovereignty.
Additionally, TELUS will extend its PureFibre optical fiber network to more homes and businesses in British Columbia, including 14 Indigenous communities. It will also expand mobile coverage along the Highway 20 corridor, directly benefiting the Tsilhqot’in and Ulkatcho Nations.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Among TELUS’s goals is to convert old copper central offices in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island to respond to the growing demand for affordable housing. This measure is part of the company’s copper withdrawal program, which has to date recovered over 4,600 tons of this material and avoided the emission of 9,300 tons of CO₂, equivalent to removing 2,000 vehicles from the roads for a year.
Furthermore, TELUS’s investments in British Columbia are expected to generate substantial economic momentum. Since 2000, the company has invested CAD 66 billion in the region and contributed over CAD 380 million to charities, with more than 9.1 million hours of volunteer work.
Digital Inclusion and Social Programs
TELUS will continue to expand its social initiatives, including the Internet for Good, Mobility for Good, and Tech for Good programs, which have benefited 184,000 people in the province. Additionally, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has allocated CAD 12.6 million since 2018 to educational and health projects aimed at youth.
In the healthcare sector, TELUS Health will strengthen its collaboration with the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation to address issues such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression in the male population.
Government and Fiscal Perspective
British Columbia Premier David Eby celebrated the investment as support for the province’s position as an economic engine of the “new Canada.” Meanwhile, TELUS highlights its commitment to fiscal responsibility, having paid over CAD 61 billion in taxes and fees since 2000, including CAD 2.3 billion alone in 2024.
Looking to the Future
With a clear focus on sustainability, digital equity, and leadership in artificial intelligence, TELUS aims to position itself as a technological pillar of Canada’s future. Its investments not only strengthen infrastructure but also lay the foundation for a more connected, innovative, and just society, especially for rural and Indigenous communities.
Source: newswire