Shaw Gigabit Download Speeds Now Accessible to All Shaw Residential Internet Customers Across Alberta

Rhea-AI Summary

Shaw Communications has launched its Fibre+ Gig internet service across Alberta, becoming the first provider to offer gigabit speeds to all residential customers in the province. This expansion follows over $11 billion in investments over seven years, enhancing connectivity for more than 100 municipalities and First Nations. The service aims to meet increased demand for reliable internet, especially during the pandemic, which has seen a 160% rise in network traffic due to videoconferencing. Shaw's advancements solidify its position as a leader in Western Canada's internet market.

Positive

• Shaw's Fibre+ Gig internet service now available to 100% of residential customers in Alberta.
• Investment of over $11 billion in Alberta's network infrastructure over the past seven years.
• Significant increase in network traffic (160%) indicates strong demand for internet services during the pandemic.
• Widespread availability of gigabit speeds reinforces Shaw's market leadership in Western Canada.

Negative

• None.

• Albertans from Airdrie to Wood Buffalo can get Shaw's fastest internet tier — Fibre+ Gig — along with an abundance of bandwidth and Western Canada’s best WiFi experience, all powered by Shaw’s Fibre+ network.

• Made possible by billions of dollars in network investments over several years, Shaw’s Fibre+ Gig is the largest deployment of gigabit download speeds for residential internet customers in Western Canada.

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shaw Communications Inc. today announced that it has become Alberta’s first provincewide internet service provider to offer gigabit download speeds to 100 per cent of its residential customers, following years of investments to upgrade its Fibre+ network.

By completing its latest network upgrade in rural Alberta, Shaw now delivers its fastest internet tier, Fibre+ Gig, to every community that it services in more than 100 municipalities and First Nations across the province. Shaw’s fastest download speeds are more broadly available than those of its Alberta competitors, allowing more families in the province to access and enjoy gigabit download speeds.

“We understand a fast and reliable internet connection is critical for our customers whether they are at home, in the office, or on-the-go, which is why — in Alberta alone — we have invested more than $11 billion over the last seven years in our network and services to keep Albertans connected. By investing in Alberta, we are ensuring people across the province continue to have excellent connectivity today and the bandwidth needed to future-proof their homes for tomorrow,” said Brad Shaw, Executive Chair and CEO, Shaw Communications.

“Alberta’s networks serve as the communications backbone of our entire economy, and that has been reinforced by the realities of the pandemic. Albertans are more reliant on connectivity today than they have ever been before, and broadband networks are now irreplaceable pillars of our economy,” Mr. Shaw said.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney confirmed the importance of strong networks to the province’s economic recovery and prosperity.

“Shaw is an Alberta success story. Their commitment to expand high-speed internet access to folks across our province is a tremendous step forward for Alberta. Access to fast and reliable internet connections is more important than ever today — and not just for those living in our province’s biggest cities,” Premier Kenney said. “Alberta’s Recovery Plan depends on the creativity and innovation of our job creators who have chosen to invest and create prosperity here. That’s why we are so thrilled with this tremendous step forward being made by Shaw to make life better for rural Albertans and the communities they call home.”

Shaw’s Fibre+ Gig is the most broadly available plan for gigabit download speeds in all of Western Canada. In addition to all of Shaw’s residential internet customers in Alberta, Shaw’s Fibre+ Gig internet tier is available to more than 99 per cent of Shaw Business customers in the province.

“Shaw’s Fibre+ network ensures that customers in Lacombe today can get access to the same Fibre+ Gig speeds that customers in Edmonton and Calgary currently enjoy,” Mr. Shaw said.

Over the past seven years Shaw has invested a total of over $20 billion in growing Shaw’s Fibre+ network and services, including $11 billion in Alberta, in order to offer customers the bandwidth they need to operate the data-intensive applications that they’ve come to depend on.

This need has never been more evident than it is today, as Albertan families and workplaces continue to observe pandemic-related physical restrictions and work from home. In fact, Shaw’s Fibre+ network alone has seen a 160 per cent increase in network traffic related to videoconferencing use since the pandemic.

Shaw’s Fibre+ network is one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in North America. Shaw feeds fibre into every neighborhood it services, allowing customers to access incredible speeds, travelling over a 99.9 per cent fibre route, complemented by highly robust and futureproof coaxial cable.

Shaw Fibre+ residential internet customers get access to Shaw’s suite of in-home technology, including the Shaw Home app to manage WiFi, and the Shaw TV app to access their favourite shows and movies on-the-go, in addition to complimentary access to Shaw Go WiFi — Canada’s largest WiFi network.

Customers with a Shaw Gateway modem can also add comprehensive cybersecurity with Shaw Network Security, and can also bring the best WiFi experience together with Shaw’s best TV package, Total TV.

More information about Shaw Fibre+ Gig can be found at shaw.ca/internet/plans

About Shaw
Shaw Communications Inc. is a leading Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, digital phone and video services. The Wireless division provides wireless voice and LTE data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca

For media inquiries, please contact:
Shaw Communications Inc.
Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs
(403) 930-8448
chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca

FAQ

What is Shaw's Fibre+ Gig internet service in Alberta?

Shaw's Fibre+ Gig service offers gigabit download speeds to 100% of its residential customers in Alberta, powered by advanced network investments.

How much has Shaw invested in Alberta's internet infrastructure?

Shaw has invested over $11 billion in network infrastructure in Alberta over the past seven years.

What municipalities in Alberta are served by Shaw's Fibre+ Gig?

Shaw's Fibre+ Gig is available in over 100 municipalities and First Nations across Alberta.

How has internet usage changed during the pandemic according to Shaw?

Shaw reported a 160% increase in network traffic related to videoconferencing due to the pandemic.

Is Shaw the only provider offering gigabit speeds in Alberta?

Yes, Shaw is the first and only provider to offer gigabit download speeds to all residential customers in Alberta.