Sherwood Park and neighbouring area Strathcona County residents and businesses can now access the fastest 5G network in Canada from TELUS

Rhea-AI Summary

TELUS has been named the fastest network in the world by Opensignal, achieving an average 4G LTE download speed of 75.8 Mbps, surpassing South Korea’s 5G average of 59 Mbps.

By year-end, nearly 50 Canadian communities will access TELUS’ 5G network, boasting speeds up to 1.7 Gbps. TELUS plans to invest an additional $40 billion over three years to enhance its 5G network, projecting the creation of 250,000 jobs and contributing $40 billion to the economy annually.

Positive

• Achieved the title of fastest network globally with 4G LTE download speeds of 75.8 Mbps.
• Plans to expand 5G network to nearly 50 communities by the end of the year, improving connectivity.
• Commitment to invest an additional $40 billion over three years for 5G expansion.
• Projected 250,000 jobs creation and $40 billion annual contribution to Canada's economy from 5G.

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 mbps¹

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

SHERWOOD PARK, Alberta, Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As TELUS expands its next-generation 5G network to Sherwood Park and neighbouring areas in Strathcona County, 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 Sherwood Park. 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.

“High-speed internet access has become increasingly important for our County, especially now as many of our residents and businesses are learning and working from home,” said Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County. “TELUS’ expansion of their 5G technology will help create jobs and provide more wireless options for Strathcona County residents and businesses, including those in Ardrossan. It’s so important that as a community, we are able to stay connected to each other, access services and support and diversify and grow our business community.”

TELUS 5G is also available in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, St. Albert, 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.

FAQ

What is TELUS's average download speed according to Opensignal?

TELUS's average 4G LTE download speed is 75.8 Mbps.

How does TELUS's speed compare to South Korea's 5G network?

TELUS's speed of 75.8 Mbps significantly surpasses South Korea's 5G average of 59 Mbps.

When will TELUS's 5G network be available to Canadians?

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

How much is TELUS investing in its network expansion?

TELUS has committed to investing an additional $40 billion over the next three years.

What are the economic impacts of TELUS's 5G rollout?

The rollout of TELUS's 5G is projected to create 250,000 jobs and contribute $40 billion annually to Canada's economy.