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Telus brings fibre optics to town

Telus is investing $8 million to connect Grand Forks homes and businesses directly to advanced fibre optic network.

Telus is investing $8 million to connect Grand Forks homes and businesses directly to advanced fibre optic network.

Direct fibre connection will dramatically boost data capacity, providing local homes access to Internet speeds of up to 150 megabits per second and Optik TV, enhanced wireless coverage and speed, and even faster Internet speeds for businesses, healthcare providers and schools

Telus is investing more than $8 million to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in Grand Forks directly to its fibre optic network.

Planning is currently underway, and construction work will begin in the coming weeks. Telus anticipates connecting all homes and businesses before the end of 2016, the company said in a press release.

“Direct fibre connection unleashes infinite possibilities now and into the future,” said Tony Geheran, Telus executive vice-president and president of Broadband Networks. “Along with enhancing the connectivity residents enjoy in their homes, this investment will provide the community better access to online services and resources.

“Once the build is complete, youth will have greater access to online educational opportunities, while entrepreneurs and small businesses will have new tools helping them thrive locally while reaching global audiences through the growing digital economy.”

The gigabit-enabled Telus fibre optic network is among the most advanced communications infrastructure available in the world today, enabling connected residents to immediately take advantage of dramatically faster Internet speeds of up to 150 megabits per second, while interested businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and institutions can access even more speed and capacity.

As demand and Internet technologies evolve in the coming years, Telus will offer faster speeds and more capacity, sufficient for decades to come, Geheran added.

“This new fibre optic infrastructure will also enhance resident’s connection to Optik TV, and will be the backbone of Telus’ wireless network, enabling even more wireless coverage and speed. 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.”

“Telus’s investment means better access to health services, educational resources and economic opportunities for residents of Grand Forks and the surrounding area,” said Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson. “This upgrade will mean local businesses and households will have plenty of capacity to connect to customers, family and friends around the world.”

“The investment Telus is making in Grand Forks is great. We feel the fibre optic network is going to create opportunity for residents, visitors and businesses because connectivity will be drastically improved,” said Mayor Frank Konrad. “This upgrade supports council’s commitment to make our community an even better place to live.”

This investment is part of TELUS’ commitment to invest $4.5 billion throughout B.C. through 2019, at no cost to taxpayers, Geheran explained. For more information, visit telus.com/fibre.