TELUS investing $11.5 billion in Quebec through 2027 to support vital network connectivity, sustainability and innovation

TELUS Communications Inc

TELUS announces joint investment with the Government of Quebec and CRTC to expand wireless connectivity to rural communities

MONTREAL, May 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS announced an investment of $11.5 billion to build and develop network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across Quebec over the next five years as part of its commitment to invest $81 billion across Canada by 2027. These investments are critical to providing Canadians with access to superior technology, connecting customers to the people, resources and information that make their lives better. Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than $32 billion in Quebec alone, building global leading industry networks and has been recognized as Canada’s most awarded network by UK-based Opensignal for the 12th consecutive time.

“TELUS’ $11.5 billion investment in Quebec will further amplify the superiority of our world-leading wireless network, enabling vital connectivity for millions of citizens. This builds on the more than $32 billion TELUS has invested in technology and operations in Quebec since 2000,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. “Our globally recognized networks are the backbone of our digital economy and societies, driving innovation and uplifting marginalized communities. This investment will help ensure that Quebecers can stay connected to what matters most, including healthcare, safe and healthy food, online education, friends and family, and the flexibility to work remotely; all with the accompanying environmental benefits.”

TELUS’ next generation networks are unleashing human productivity and contributing to improved health and educational outcomes, supporting environmental sustainability, fostering entrepreneurship, bridging the socio-economic divide, and driving economic growth. TELUS is steadfast in its commitment to using technology, team member-led innovation, and human compassion to address the most important societal challenges of this generation and bringing real solutions to the residents of Quebec and across Canada. Now through 2027 in Quebec, TELUS is:

• Expanding the TELUS 5G network to rural communities.
  TELUS will partner with the Government of Quebec and the CRTC to expand its 5G network to reach new isolated and rural communities as well as road sections in the regions of Eastern Quebec and Chaudière-Appalaches. The company is actively accelerating the deployment of 25 new sites, bridging the digital divide by fostering digital innovation in local businesses, promoting the tourism industry, attracting young workers and families, and accelerating the development of virtual services in health and education.
  
  

• Celebrating 10 years of PureFibre, connecting nearly 300,000 homes in Quebec
  TELUS has invested over $7 billion nationally in network infrastructure and operations to bring our most advanced broadband Internet technology to millions of homes and businesses, creating 50,000 jobs throughout construction, and contributing more than $930 million to local economies in Quebec, B.C. and Alberta. This year, TELUS will connect thousands of homes and businesses across Quebec including in the regions of Mauricie, Estrie, Chaudière-Appalaches and Eastern Quebec. To date, 99 per cent of businesses and families in the area TELUS serves have access to the PureFibre network. The symmetrical upload and download Internet speeds and nearly infinite bandwidth enabled only by PureFibre means everyone can work, stream, game, or make video calls at the same time.
  
  

• Cheering on the CF Montréal as a major partner
  The new multi-year partnership coincides with the CF Montréal’s 30th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout the upcoming 2023 season, and brings together two organizations with a proven and shared commitment to drive meaningful change in their local communities. Through this partnership, TELUS and CF Montréal will support thousands of youth by providing free access to soccer camps and encouraging the development of athletes with sport bursaries.
  
  

• Expanding TELUS’ For Good programs to Quebec
  TELUS plans to expand its Internet For Good program to youth in Quebec in 2023, offering subsidized, high-speed Internet to qualified low-income youth aging out of care. TELUS Mobility For Good for Indigenous Women at Risk will also launch in Quebec, providing free smartphones and fully subsidized talk, text and data plans to Indigenous women, girls or gender diverse people, serving as a critical lifeline to Indigenous-led services, wellness resources, and their support networks
  
  

• Continuing to roll out 3500 MHz spectrum on its 5G network
  Since June 2022, TELUS has been deploying its 3500 MHz spectrum holdings on its next-generation 5G wireless network to further support the country’s economic growth and competitiveness, bringing enhanced capacity, low latency and even faster speeds to TELUS customers.

  • As part of this rollout, customers in communities coast to coast can now access this 3500 MHz spectrum, including in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and St. John’s.
    
    

• Promoting a greener province and planet
  Our investments in energy-efficient networks, renewable energy sources, innovative technologies and sustainable business practices are supporting a greener future by reducing our carbon footprint and enabling TELUS to become net carbon neutral by 2030 or sooner.

  • On April 21, TELUS celebrated the planting of its one millionth tree to help mitigate climate change. In partnership with leading restoration companies, including Veritree and Flash Forest, TELUS is working to leverage the power of its world-leading networks and innovative technology to revolutionize nature-based solutions with the goal of replenishing forests and seaforests. To start, TELUS, Veritree and Flash Forest are focusing on reforestation and seaforestation projects in western Canada and internationally.

  • TELUS’ sustainability strategy has been recognized by Les Mercuriades, a prestigious business competition in Quebec. This year, TELUS has won the Sustainable Development Strategy award, which celebrates businesses whose commitment and achievements in sustainable development are remarkable or unique in their industry.

  • TELUS also recognizes the role of connectivity in supporting Canada’s climate objectives. Digital connectivity and technologies can reduce GHGs emissions by up to 20 per cent¹. As a country with high-quality telecom networks and high GHG emissions per capita, Canada has the opportunity to become a world leader in digital climate policy and digital climate solutions, incentivizing digital uptake across underserved communities, GHG intensive-industries, and the public service.
    
    

• Transforming how Quebecers access healthcare

  • TELUS’ innovative approach to leveraging technology in health care has expanded globally since its acquisition of LifeWorks in fall 2022. Now supporting 67 million lives in 160 countries TELUS Health is on a mission to become the most trusted wellbeing company in the world with solutions focused on enhancing total health, across three dimensions - physical, mental and financial.

  • Since 2022, TELUS Health has supported a range of health services including occupational, financial and mental health services, as well as both publicly-funded and employer-funded primary care resulting in more than 1.4M virtual and in-person appointments, helping to build the healthiest communities and workplaces on the planet.
    
    

• Redefining the connected home experience with TELUS’ smart living solution

  • In collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), TELUS’ new smart living solution will use the latest advancements in cloud technologies, Internet of things (IoT), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) to create automation experiences using all of our connected devices. TELUS’ smart living solution will reduce the complexity of installing and managing connected home devices and services from multiple vendors, device manufacturers (ODMs) and service providers. It will make it easier for consumers to use existing and new smart home devices to automate their home.

From 2000 through 2022, TELUS has invested $240 billion nationally in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum, including more than $32 billion in Quebec. These investments are consistent with TELUS’ capital expenditure guidance for 2023, released in the fourth quarter of 2022 earnings release dated February 9, 2023.

TELUS also embraces tax morality as a means of further investing in our communities. Since 2000, TELUS has paid approximately $54 billion in total tax and spectrum remittances to our federal, provincial and municipal governments across Canada, consisting of corporate income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, employer portion of payroll taxes, various regulatory fees and spectrum remittances, including more than $2.3 billion in taxes in 2022 alone. These funds support public works projects, education, healthcare, cultural pursuits and other initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of our communities.

Since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees provided over $90 million in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs and volunteered 1.4 million hours to charities and community organizations specifically located in Quebec. Globally, our TELUS family has contributed $1.5 billion in giving including 15 million volunteer hours since 2000.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements about future events and plans that are forward-looking, including statements relating to TELUS’ infrastructure, operations and spectrum investment plans, anticipated connections to our PureFibre network footprint, and our environmental targets. These forward-looking statements are made based on a number of assumptions and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them as there is significant risk that actual results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements, including as a result of risks relating to regulatory decisions and developments, the competitive environment in which we operate, and our operating and financial results.

The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to the cautionary note and based on the assumptions, qualifications and risks described in detail in TELUS’ 2022 and first quarter 2023 Management’s discussion and analysis, which are incorporated by reference herein, and in other TELUS public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions in Canada (on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in the United States (on EDGAR at sec.gov). Forward-looking statements describe TELUS’ expectations and are based on our assumptions as at the date of this press release and are subject to change. These statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except as required by law, TELUS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and 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. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 31 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech.

TELUS Health is a global health care leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.5 billion, including 2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

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

For media inquiries, please contact:

Camille Finnegan
TELUS Public Relations
camille.finnegan@telus.com

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¹ FarrPoint - Digital Policy and Climate Change: Canada Study Report, May 2022