Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasper residents and businesses will now have access to the fastest 5G network in Canada.
TELUS has expanded its 5G network to Jasper and other areas of Alberta as part of its larger $14.5 billion investment in infrastructure and operations in Alberta through 2024.
“The significant investments we are making in our world-leading network to rapidly expand our 5G footprint is enabling us to connect the citizens of Jasper to the people, resources and critical information they need as we continue to navigate the global pandemic,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO, in a Oct. 14 press release.
The investment is anticipated to further support the province throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery.
Other areas of the province that are getting 5G include Bonnyville, Fort McMurray, High Prairie, Hinton, Okotoks, Vegreville, Vulcan and Wetaskiwin.
“Now more than ever, TELUS is committed to keeping Canadians connected, productive and healthy,” Entwistle said.
“Indeed, the ongoing expansion of our next-generation 5G technology is bridging time and distance, allowing residents to live and work in any community without compromising productivity or economic opportunity.”
In the release, TELUS noted how strong network connectivity has played an important role in supporting individuals and businesses throughout the pandemic by keeping them connected with critical information, resources and their communities.
Compared to the previous 4G networks, 5G technology offers users “a leap in capabilities,” including increased capacity, ultra-low latency, network slicing and edge computing.
“Importantly, as we look optimistically toward a period of economic and social recovery, our global leading network will continue to drive the innovation that empowers the diversity and competitiveness of our country’s private sector and improves economic equality in our digital world, helping us answer the most pressing social challenges in health, education and the environment for the benefit of all Canadians,” Entwistle added.
By the end of the year, TELUS is expected to expand its 5G network to over 615 communities across Canada, including 136 in Alberta.
This will leave more than 70 per cent of the Canadian population with a faster 5G network, providing speeds up to 1.7 Gbps.
“These advancements are the foundation to power new applications serving enhanced health and educational outcomes for Canadians by improving access for all, regardless of where you live and work,” TELUS stated in the release.
Since 2000, TELUS has invested nearly $240 billion nationally in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum across Canada, including more than $51 billion in technology and operations in Alberta.
