Over the last 10 years, TELUS has invested $250 million in network operations and technology in Manitoba. That’s a ton of cash, for sure… but when you look at that number, and ask yourself why TELUS’ advanced 4G network is only up and functioning in the Winnipeg area, it kind of makes you wonder where all the money has gone! On top of that, many friends and colleagues that I have in the area are none too impressed with the network, even after the recent upgrade. Clearly TELUS has a lot of work ahead of them, that’s why I was more than pleased to read they’re dumping some more money into the project.
Just the other day, TELUS announced they’re investing another $22 million in Manitoba to expand and enhance their 4G wireless network in the province. Like other customers in the province, I can only keep my fingers crossed in hopes of improved performance province-wide.
I’ll be sure to keep an eye on this situation for all of the ‘Friendly’ Manitobans out there. Should be interesting to see if the overall opinion of network coverage and performance changes at all as they continue to work on their network in the province.
Full press release below:
TELUS investing $22 million in Manitoba to expand its advanced 4G wireless network
2011 investments expand Manitoba’s most advanced network beyond Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB – TELUS is investing $22 million in Manitoba this year to further expand and enhance its 4G wireless services for consumers, businesses and healthcare providers. This year’s network investment builds upon the $250 million invested in its operations and technology in Manitoba in the last 10 years.
In 2011, TELUS will continue to deliver customers in Manitoba even better wireless broadband services on Canada’s fastest coast-to-coast 4G wireless network*. TELUS currently offers extremely fast manufacturer rated peak download speeds up to 21 megabits per second and recently announced a HSPA+ Dual Cell upgrade which offers speeds up to 42 megabits per second** in Winnipeg and many other urban centres.
“Our planned $22 million investment this year in advanced communications technology continues our proud history of providing Winnipeg with access to telecommunications that are the envy of the world,” said Michael Sangster, vice-president of Government Relations. “This year, TELUS will continue to bring Winnipeg faster wireless broadband services as we introduce HSPA+ Dual Cell, one of the most advanced wireless technologies in the world. We are also committed to working with all levels of government in Manitoba to advance the provision of life-changing healthcare and education services over our networks.”
In 2011, the 4G wireless network will continue to expand across Manitoba. Already providing access to the most advanced network in the province, service will come to even more communities and highway corridors and strengthen its coverage in the next year to include Brandon, Selkirk, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie and Victoria Beach.
Mr. Sangster added TELUS’ commitment to Winnipeg communities extends beyond infrastructure and new services.
“Since 2000, we’ve has partnered with our Winnipeg team members to contribute $145,000 and 731 volunteer hours to charitable and community organizations across Manitoba,” said Mr. Sangster. “Building on our heartfelt tradition of community giving, this year TELUS plans to contribute to several charitable organizations and community initiatives in the province. For example, we will support the outstanding work of CancerCare Manitoba by donating $25 for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children on behalf of every Manitoba resident who purchases a TELUS smartphone through May 31, 2011.”
TELUS was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the 2010 Most Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation globally, the first time a Canadian company has ever received this international honour. TELUS has supported Winnipeg charitable and non-profit organizations, including CancerCare Manitoba, The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Canadian Foodgrains Bank Association and Canada’s National History Society.
*Based on TELUS’ tests of data throughput speeds in large Canadian urban centres available from national HSPA+ service providers. Internet access speed provided by the network operator may vary due to the device being used, network congestion, distance from the wireless site, local conditions and other factors. Speed on the Internet is beyond the wireless network operator’s control and may vary with your configuration, Internet traffic, website server and management policies, and other factors.
**Speed may vary due to the device being used, network congestion, distance from the cell site, local conditions and other factors.