Investments in nation-building projects will deliver critical infrastructure to strengthen Canada's independence and leadership on the global stage
VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2026 /CNW/ - TELUS is investing more than $15 billion over the next five years to expand and enhance its network infrastructure and operations across British Columbia. This commitment is part of TELUS' larger commitment to deploy $66 billion across Canada by 2030 to expand and enhance its network infrastructure and operations across Canada, fueling homegrown innovation and support the prosperity of urban and rural communities. Since 2000, TELUS has invested $69 billion in British Columbia in technology and operations to advance connectivity, boost productivity and support a robust national economy.
"The $66 billion announced today builds upon the $294 billion that TELUS has put to work across Canada since 2000, to ensure our fellow citizens have the vital connectivity needed to thrive in today's digital world," said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. "The critical infrastructure our talented team of innovators and engineers is creating represents the 21st century equivalent to building transportation corridors that connect our country. TELUS' investments over the past 26 years represent the financial equivalent of constructing 84 Canadian Pacific Railways or 58 St. Lawrence Seaways or 27 Trans-Canada Highway systems. Importantly, the connectivity we are delivering helps improve the lives of Canadians by enabling teleworking, online healthcare and education flexibility, while also accelerating Canada's digital economy for heightened productivity, innovation and competitiveness. Moreover, our 5G and PureFibre networks are supporting transformational change in respect of remediating our environment, advancing agriculture efficiency and food chain security and bridging socio-economic and geographic divides. Indeed, TELUS' world-leading 5G network now reaches more than 90 per cent of Canada's population, while our global-best TELUS PureFibre network brings the fastest and most reliable internet technology on the planet to 3.7 million households and businesses -- and counting, covering 99 per cent of TELUS' legacy copper footprint. Over the past 26 years, TELUS has laid 162,000 kilometres of fibre, which is enough to circle the Earth four times. The environmental and societal benefits of replacing copper with TELUS PureFibre are considerable. Notably, by recycling decommissioned copper, TELUS has eliminated 9,300 tonnes of emissions -- equal to removing nearly 2,000 cars from roads for a year. Moreover, as we decommission copper from our central offices, we are re-developing these now vacant buildings to be used as affordable, sustainable housing. By continuing to invest in our world-leading networks, we are demonstrating TELUS' commitment to Always Building Canada, supporting our fellow Canadians for generations to come."
"From connecting with loved ones, to new business and education opportunities, high-speed internet opens doors to people in every corner of this province. TELUS's commitment to B.C. and ongoing work with the Provincial Government means more families in rural, remote and Indigenous communities will have the tools they need to thrive right where they are at home, and bring us one step closer to our goal of a fully connected province," said Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens Services.
Now through 2030 in British Columbia, TELUS is:
Advancing Canada's Tech & AI Sovereignty
-- Expanding TELUS PureFibre connectivity over the next five years to more
than 65 communities, homes and businesses in British Columbia to
stimulate job growth, accelerate innovation and enhance productivity
-- Advancing our wireless networks with more than 45 new towers in
partnership with Terrion and upgrades at more than 400 sites across
British Columbia this year, significantly increasing wireless coverage
and capacity to meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities,
now and in the future
-- Strengthening Canada's AI infrastructure to meet surging demand for
advanced compute power through the TELUS Sovereign AI Factory --
officially ranked as the fastest and most powerful supercomputer in
Canada by TOP500. Our Rimouski, Quebec facility sold out following its
September 2025 launch and we are now expanding our compute inventory to
meet continued demand.
-- Delivering one of the world's most powerful and sustainable AI
infrastructure clusters with three world-class facilities in British
Columbia, selected by the Government of Canada as the first project to
advance under the federal Enabling Large-Scale Sovereign AI Data Centres
initiative. Our AI factory in Kamloops, British Columbia, will come
online later this year and we will develop two new Vancouver facilities
to empower Canadian businesses, researchers, public sector and Indigenous
organizations with access to cutting-edge Canadian-controlled compute --
ensuring every piece of data, computation, and breakthrough remains
within our borders.
-- TELUS Digital is advancing Canada's sovereign AI capabilities through
Fuel iX, a platform enabling Canadian companies to deploy secure,
domestically-controlled AI assistants. Building on industry-leading
safety practices, Fuel iX Fortify addresses Canada's stringent AI
security and safety requirements through automated purple teaming and
rigorous testing protocols, helping organizations confidently integrate
AI while maintaining control over their data and systems
-- Building on our commitment to rural and Indigenous connectivity in B.C.
by connecting households, including in Pacheedaht First Nation, Esk'etemc,
Skeetchestn Indian Band and Splatsin First Nation to our world-leading
wireless and wireline networks
Pioneering Environmental Sustainability & Purpose-Built Housing
-- Addressing the increasing demand for housing availability and
attainability by redeveloping our central office buildings into
purpose-built residential rental developments under the TELUS Living
initiative
-- Advancing our journey to net-zero as part of our world-leading copper
retirement program, we continue to support the circular economy by
reclaiming and repurposing legacy copper networks, helping meet Canada's
need for this important resource. To date, we have mined more than 4,600
tonnes of copper from our network and enabled a reduction of 9,300 tonnes
of GHG emissions -- equal to removing nearly 2,000 cars from roads for a
year
-- Strengthening Canada's food sovereignty and global leadership in
sustainable production through TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods. By
expanding our Decisive Farming agronomy services in underserved rural
areas and supporting Canada's cattle producers, we're helping farmers
produce more with less. These efforts ensure a safe, affordable and
efficient food supply for Canadians while delivering a critical reduction
of up to 500,000 tonnes in GHG emissions by 2030
Fostering Healthy, Connected Communities
-- Further bridging digital divides through TELUS Internet, Mobility and
Tech for Good, as well as continuing to empower Canadians to stay safe
online through TELUS Wise. Since inception, these initiatives have helped
bridge digital divides for over 204,000 people across B.C. while ensuring
they remain safe in our digital world
-- Empowering British Columbia's youth and removing barriers to help them
reach their full potential. Since 2005, the TELUS Friendly Future
Foundation and our TELUS Community Boards serving the entire province
have directed over $31 million in grants to more than 2,500 health and
education-focused charitable initiatives that support youth, and 300
student bursaries for post-secondary students. From removing financial
barriers for students, to supporting numerous charity partners serving
the critical needs of youth, such as Be the Change Earth Alliance Society,
Victoria Conservatory of Music, Access Youth Outreach Services Society
and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, we are committed to building a
friendlier future for youth across British Columbia
-- Delivering vital healthcare through TELUS Health for Good and supporting
145,000 patient visits from underserved British Columbians since 2018,
supported by our $8.4 million ongoing investment in partnership with
organizations like Kilala Lelum, ASK Wellness and Cool Aid
-- Helping organizations create more productive, wellbeing-focused
workplaces through TELUS Health's global leadership in healthcare
technology, supporting more than 170 million individuals across the globe,
in collaboration with innovative Canadian organizations
-- Investing more than $12.6 million to amplify locally reflective stories
and support emerging and underrepresented creators and filmmakers in B.C.
through grants, production funding, training, mentorship and distribution
across national platforms through TELUS' two content funding programs:
TELUS STORYHIVE and TELUS originals
-- Fostering community connection through strategic partnerships with the BC
Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Whistler Blackcomb, Resorts
of the Canadian Rockies, Big White Ski Resort and the Vancouver Symphony
Orchestra
Additionally since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees have provided $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, including 2.5 million days of volunteerism to communities in Canada and around the world.
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
May 20, 2026 09:44 ET (13:44 GMT)
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