TELUS is investing $20 million to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in Nelson directly to its fibre optic network and enhance wireless connectivity throughout the region.
Construction on the TELUS PureFibre network will begin this summer, and TELUS anticipates the majority of homes and businesses will be connected by the end of the year. TELUS also recently completed construction of two cell towers in Nelson and the Village of Slocan, and upgraded its wireless site in Rossland, bringing enhanced and more reliable cellular connectivity to residents, businesses and visitors in the region.
“These investments to bring TELUS PureFibre and enhanced wireless connectivity to Nelson will future-proof the community and allow innovation, entrepreneurship and jobs to thrive for generations to come,” said Tony Geheran, TELUS Executive Vice-President and Chief Customer Officer. “As the cost of living in major centres increases, families, professionals, and retirees are increasingly looking to live in beautiful
communities like Nelson. This connectivity will attract new residents, talent and entrepreneurs, and will help businesses innovate locally and compete globally whether they’re established operations or new home-based start-ups.”
Since 2013, TELUS has invested $3 billion to connect 116 communities in B.C., Alberta and eastern Quebec to the TELUS PureFibre network. Other communities in the Kootenay region are already connected to TELUS PureFibre include Castlegar, Creston, Fernie, Grand Forks, and Kimberley.
“As an entrepreneur born and raised in Nelson, I know firsthand that introducing PureFibre will not only better connect the hundreds of remote workers that operate in Nelson, it also makes the region increasingly inviting for organizations like Traction on Demand, who are dependent on reliable, secure and fast connectivity,” said Greg Malpass, Founder & CEO of Traction on Demand. “Technology is the fastest growing industry in British Columbia, and connecting the Kootenay region with this caliber of connectivity creates new opportunities for people to live, play and work in one of the most spectacular places in the world.”
The gigabit-enabled TELUS PureFibre network is among the most advanced communications infrastructure available in the world today, enabling residents to immediately take advantage of dramatically fast Internet upload and download speeds on plans like 750/750 Mbps or Gigabit
Internet at 940/940 Mbps. Gigabit Internet customers can download a full HD movie, upload 100 high-resolution photos in just a few seconds.
The TELUS PureFibre network also provides significant benefits for applications like video conferencing, gaming, and home security. Supported by the TELUS PureFibre network, TELUS Smart Home Security offers 24/7 real-time monitoring and smart controls to manage cameras, lock and unlock doors, indoor and outdoor lighting, and even the thermostat.
Local healthcare providers, educators and technology companies will be able to draw upon the technology to reimagine how they deliver existing services and develop entirely new solutions. As the backbone of TELUS’ wireless network, this new fibre optic infrastructure will enable more wireless capacity and faster speeds throughout the region, and lays the groundwork for 5G technologies in the years ahead.
“This TELUS project will make it easier and faster to do business and access important services. It spurs innovation and helps us attract tech talent that sets the stage for the next generation network,” said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “Nelson will enjoy the benefits for years to come.”
For more information, please visit telus.com/purefibre.