Telus (TSX:T) is promising to enhance its wireless networks and boost broadband coverage in B.C. as it invests $4 billion in additional infrastructure for the company through 2018.
The Vancouver-based telecom provider said Wednesday (April 15) it plans to upgrade every wireless site in the province to 4G LTE, complete construction of its Telus Garden tower in downtown Vancouver, expand its Telus Health division and build infrastructure to support both its 700 MHz wireless spectrum and AWS-3 wireless spectrum.
Last year, Rogers (TSX:RCI) became the first wireless provider to make the 700MHZ spectrum available in Vancouver.
The spectrum, which Telus is in the midst of deploying throughout B.C., was previously used for analogue TV broadcasts before Canada switched to digital broadcasts in 2011. The frequency offers a stronger signal but phones must be capable of transmitting and receiving 700 MHz signals for it to be of any use.
Meanwhile, Telus was the only company besides Wind Mobile to acquire AWS-3 wireless spectrum in B.C. during a March operated by the federal government.
Another government auction for 2500 MHz wireless spectrum began Monday (April 13) and Telus is expected to add its first-ever block of 2500 MHz spectrum.
A Telus spokeswoman told Business in Vancouver some of the $4 billion would be spent in preparation for the deployment of the AWS-3 spectrum but the figure does not include any projected investment on future spectrum.
Since 2000, Telus has spent $47 billion building up its infrastructure in B.C.
