TELUS invests $10 million to connect Haida Gwaii

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TELUS broadband and 5G networks and technology will enable more residents and businesses on Haida Gwaii to connect online with critical flexibility in healthcare, education and telecommuting

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TELUS is investing $10 million to provide improved cellular service and broadband internet to Haida Gwaii. In June, TELUS completed the upgrade of the Mascon by TELUS high-speed internet network, which now offers residents and businesses in Daajing Giids and Skidegate access to speeds of up to 120Mbps. In addition to improving broadband connectivity across the region, TELUS recently completed upgrades to its local wireless infrastructure, giving residents, businesses and visitors access to high-speed wireless voice and internet service in these communities for the first time. These investments build on TELUS’ reconciliation obligation and are critical in giving tribal peoples access to superior technology that connects them to the people, resources and information that improve their lives.

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“Our long-standing investments in Haida Gwaii support critical, transformative changes in enabling online healthcare, education and the ability to work from home or run a local business and compete globally,” said Tony Geheran, EVP and Chief Operations Officer of TELUS. “We continue to work with communities and indigenous leaders in ways they choose to work with us and believe it is our responsibility as a social purpose driven organization to use our voice, our business and our relationships to advance reconciliation throughout promote Canada. As part of our local effort to provide support where needed, we have been privileged to work with the Council of Haida Nation, the Haida Gwaii Museum and School District 50 at the beginning of the pandemic to support elders moving through the access to tablets to stay connected.”

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In support of TELUS’ continued efforts to connect Indigenous communities to the life-changing power of high-speed internet and mobility solutions, TELUS has developed its Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy and Action Plan for Indigenous Reconciliation through an inclusive, culturally relevant process. The plan was guided by indigenous voices and reconciliation frameworks, with a focus on meeting the needs of the diverse indigenous communities in the areas we serve. Locally on Haida Gwaii, TELUS spearheaded these network expansions, hiring local workers and using locally operated equipment rental companies to complete the recent upgrades.

“When the pandemic hit, we knew we had to make sure our elders were protected. When we reached out to TELUS and Mascon by TELUS early in the pandemic, they listened and worked with us as members of our community to support our iPads for Elders program, including enabling connectivity to 35 Indigenous and non- indigenous elders,” said Jisgang Nika Collison, executive director and chief curator of the Haida Gwaii Museum. “At a time of such instability and fear, the team showed nothing but respect for our elders. We appreciate the ongoing partnership. Hawa.”

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“Skidegate Band Council values ​​and supports expanding connectivity in our community. Our relationship with TELUS through Mascon has led to the implementation of the infrastructure and the creation of connectivity and support for our members and local government with their fiber optic connections,” said Chief Councilor Billy Yovanovich, Skidegate Band Council. “It came at a time when there was a lack of connectivity in many areas. Haawa (thank you).”

Over the past 15 years, TELUS has made significant investments to improve connectivity on Haida Gwaii and provide mobile and internet coverage to 13 communities on Islandi: Queen Charlotte City, Skidegate, Skidegate Landing, Sandspit, Port Clements Haina, Alliford Bay, Sewall, Tlell, Lawnhill, Old Masset, Masset, Delkatla and Haida Gwaii Hospital (Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay), along with 9 reserve lands including Yan 1, Masset 1, Sauchten 18, Tlaa Gaa Aawtlaas 28, Ain 6, Lanas 4, Skaigha 2 , Skidegate 1 and Khrana 4. In 2019, TELUS invested $500,000 in Port Clements to bring cellular service to the community and surrounding areas for the first time.

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In May, TELUS announced it will invest $17.5 billion in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum across British Columbia over the next four years and has committed to investing a total of $70 billion across Canada by 2026.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic $17 billion global communications technology leader serving 17 million customers across wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. Our social purpose is to use our world-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our long-standing commitment to putting our customers first drives every aspect of our business and makes us a leader in customer service, excellence and loyalty. The numerous, enduring awards TELUS has received over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms demonstrate the strength and speed of TELUS’ world-leading networks and reinforces our commitment to providing Canadians with access to superior technology that empowers us connects people, resources and information that improve our lives.

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TELUS Health is Canada’s leading digital health technology company, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions across the agricultural value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved insights and processes from agricultural data. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, develops and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content management, for global and disruptive brands in high-growth industries including technology, games, communications and media, e-commerce and fintech, healthcare, and travel and hospitality. TELUS and TELUS International operate in more than 25 countries around the world.

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Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy of giving where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees since 2000 to give more than $900 million and 1.8 million service days to contribute. This is unprecedented generosity and unprecedented volunteerism has made TELUS the most generous company in the world. Let’s create a friendly future together.

More information about TELUS can be found at Telus.comfollow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For media inquiries please contact:

Lena Chen
TELUS public relations
[email protected]