Telus making a $17-billion investment in BC

More cell towers, more internet, more coverage, more connection, more healthcare.

It's all part of Telus's announcement of a $17-billion investment in BC over the next five years.

Kelowna, Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby will get new cell towers this year to expand and improve coverage in their respective areas.

Telus is using AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced analytics to plan new infrastructure builds, such as cell towers, that will optimize coverage and network performance.

This year, that means plans to double the number of new cell towers built across BC this year as compared to last year.

The new cell towers are just part of Telus' massive $17 billion investment in innovation in the province through 2028.

Money will be spent all over the place on myriad components of the business.

For instance, Telus is enhancing its 5G (5th generation mobile network) with ORAN (open radio access network) technology throughout BC and across Canada.

ORAN allows for interoperation between cellular network equipment provided by different vendors.

The approach means reliable, adaptable and faster connections and operations for cell networks.

It's also deemed a more efficient use of resources and cuts down on energy use as well.

Over the past decade, Telus has connected more than 1.9 million homes and businesses in BC with Telus PureFibre, the fastest and more reliable internet.

"At Telus, we know that a reliable and powerful network is essential in keeping British Columbians connected to the people, information and resources that matter most," said Telus CEO Darren Entwistle.

The $17-billion BC investment is part of Telus' total commitment of $73 billion across Canada over the next five years.

"These investments will ensure that our customers continue to benefit frp, the best network experience in the world, which facilitates crucial, generational changes in healthcare, education, teleworking, the environment and our digital economy and societies," said Entwistle.

"Perhaps most importantly, our networks also bridge digital and socioeconomic divides, so every member of society has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Telus Health is Canada's largest IT healthcare provider.

Telus Health also has mobile clinics in 25 communities across the county, has an electronic medical records division that 2,500 clinicians and 17,000 virtual pharmacy users use.

In 2023, Telus became the premier partner and jersey sponsor of the Vancouver Whitecaps professional soccer team, which has spinoffs to support local youth with various programs, including Community Soccer Experience and 100 scholarships for aspiring players.

For personal customers, Telus has internet, mobile and home phone, TV bundles, Smart Home Security and online security.

For business customers, Telus has mobile and landline phone packages, ecommerce and commercial internet and IT solutions.

Vancouver-based Telus Corporation is a publicly traded company.

On Tuesday, shares were trading for $22.36 on the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange).

Over the past year, stock has been as high as $27.73 and as low as $21.12.