Fort Saskatchewan residents and businesses can now access the fastest 5G network in Canada from TELUS

Rhea-AI Summary

TELUS has been recognized as the fastest network globally by Opensignal, with average 4G LTE download speeds of 75.8 Mbps, surpassing South Korea's 5G average of 59 Mbps. By year-end, TELUS plans to expand its 5G network to 50 communities in Canada, achieving speeds up to 1.7 Gbps. This growth aligns with TELUS's commitment to invest $40 billion over three years to enhance digital infrastructure, projected to create 250,000 jobs and contribute $40 billion annually to the Canadian economy.

Positive

• TELUS is recognized as the fastest network globally, enhancing its competitive position.
• Average 4G LTE download speeds of 75.8 Mbps surpass those of South Korea's 5G networks.
• Expansion of 5G network planned for 50 communities by year-end with speeds up to 1.7 Gbps.
• Commitment to invest $40 billion over three years to enhance 5G infrastructure, driving innovation.
• Projected to create 250,000 jobs and contribute $40 billion annually to Canada's economy.

Negative

• None.

TELUS crowned the fastest network in the world as it wins the Opensignal Global Award for Download Speed Experience. TELUS’ average 4G LTE download speeds clocked in at a global high of 75.8 mbps, significantly faster than the 2nd fastest country in the world South Korea’s 5G network average of 59 mbps^.1

By the end of year, Canadians in 50 communities will experience the fastest 5G network in Canada providing speeds up to 1.7 Gbps ²

FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alberta, Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As TELUS expands its next-generation 5G network to Fort Saskatchewan, UK-based Opensignal has announced that TELUS is the fastest network in the world!

“This global recognition from Opensignal, in concert with our rapidly expanding next-generation 5G network, reinforces the TELUS team’s unparalleled commitment to providing Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS. “Our team understands that having the fastest speeds on a global basis matters as it drives the innovation that enables the diversity and competitiveness of our country’s private sector, supporting economic growth and job creation for our nation and in communities like Fort Saskatchewan. It matters because it helps us answer society’s most pressing social challenges in health, education, agriculture and the environment, while improving economic equality in our digital world. As we continue to navigate the global health emergency, Canadians can be confident that our world-leading network, with its globally leading speed and expansive coverage, will keep them connected to what matters most.”

In Opensignal’s latest report, TELUS’ average 4G LTE download speeds were recorded at a global high of 75.8 mbps, which is significantly faster than South Korea’s average of 59 mbps on their 5G networks - a country that launched 5G nationally in 2019. Furthermore, a recent PCMag report shows that TELUS 4G LTE network speeds easily outpace 5G network speeds of the United States’ top carriers and other Canadian providers. These achievements, along with the numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years, showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading mobile network. This wireless network leadership, and the investment and talented team that underpin it, drive our country’s innovation agenda and the resulting economic and social outcomes.

TELUS continues to strengthen its commitment to delivering an outstanding network experience to Canadians by bringing its 5G network to an additional 19 cities across the country in addition to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. By the end of the year, nearly 50 communities will be able to experience the speed and quality of TELUS’ 5G connectivity, as TELUS continues to grow its 5G footprint into 2021 and beyond. TELUS’ next generation 5G network, which builds on its award-winning, fastest network in the world covering 99 per cent of the Canadian population, will drive innovation in emerging tech sectors, healthcare, agriculture, and more. World-leading speeds and expansive coverage will contribute to improved health and educational outcomes for Canadians, support environmental sustainability, enable our entrepreneurial spirit, unleash human productivity and drive economic growth, which will be key to Canada’s fiscal recovery: it's estimated that 5G will create 250,000 jobs and contribute $40 billion annually to the country’s economy.³

“Our customers enjoy the fastest network in the world today. Beyond these lightning-fast speeds, the promise of 5G is in its capacity to connect us like never before, reliably and efficiently, to help us unlock new ways for technology to improve Canadians’ lives,” said Eros Spadotto, Executive Vice President, Technology Strategy and Business Transformation. “5G will be a driving force behind Industry 4.0, revolutionizing industries, business models, and the everyday lives of Canadians.”

Since 2000, TELUS has invested nearly $200 billion in network infrastructure, spectrum, and operations to enhance the coverage, speed, and reliability of its networks. Over the next three years, TELUS has committed to investing an additional $40 billion to support the roll out of its 5G network, which will enhance innovation and help drive digital development across key sectors of the Canadian economy.

“COVID-19 is changing the many things we do in municipal government. It has also been altering everything from education to businesses to industries. It is great to have this technology in Fort Saskatchewan at a time when residents, businesses and industries are relying on the internet to work and learn remotely while staying healthy,” said Mayor Gale Katchur of Fort Saskatchewan. “TELUS’ 5G network will help our city keep up with the need for more bandwidth and faster speeds.”

TELUS 5G is also available in Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Spruce Grove, and coming to Stony Plain, Parkland County, Leduc, Greenview, Smoky River, Fairview and Wabasca by the end of 2020.

For coverage maps and more information, visit telus.com/5G.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications and information technology company with $15 billion in annual revenue and 15.4 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. We leverage our global-leading technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. TELUS Health is Canada's largest healthcare IT provider, and TELUS International delivers the most innovative business process solutions to some of the world’s most established brands.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all Canadians for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired our team members and retirees to contribute more than $736 million and 1.4 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram

For media inquiries, please contact:

Douglas Self
TELUS Public Relations
douglas.self@telus.com

[1] Based on a recent report from Opensignal.
[2] Network speeds vary with location, signal and customer device. Compatible device required. Manufacturer’s rated peak download speeds: 5G, up to 1700 Mbps, LTE Advanced, up to 1350 Mbps; LTE, up to 150 Mbps; HSPA+, up to 42 Mbps.[3] Based on a recent report from Accenture
[3] Based on a recent report from Accenture.

FAQ

What recent award did TELUS win regarding its network speed?

TELUS won the Opensignal Global Award for Download Speed Experience, being recognized as the fastest network in the world.

What are TELUS's average download speeds compared to South Korea's?

TELUS's average 4G LTE download speed is 75.8 Mbps, significantly faster than South Korea's 5G average of 59 Mbps.

How many communities will TELUS's 5G network expand to by the end of the year?

TELUS plans to expand its 5G network to 50 communities in Canada by the end of the year.

What is TELUS's planned investment for expanding its 5G network?

TELUS is committed to investing $40 billion over the next three years to enhance its 5G network.

How many jobs is TELUS's network expansion projected to create?

The expansion is expected to create 250,000 jobs in Canada.