DeLynda Pilon
Free Press
TELUS will invest $100 million in northern B.C. over the next three years, and $60 million of those dollars will be infused in Prince George.
TELUS president and CEO Darren Entwistle made the announcement at the Inn of the North Thursday morning, joined by MLA Shirley Bond and Mayor Shari Green.
“TELUS’ $103 million investment in northern B.C. over the next three years is only possible due to the hard work and outstanding commitment of our 775 team members and retirees in the region and the support of our customers, and for that I am deeply grateful,” Entwistle said. “TELUS will bring the world’s fastest wireless technology to Prince George this year and expand Optik TV to even more neighbourhoods at the same time as we extend broadband Internet service to many more northern communities. With this commitment, we are providing the wireless and wireline communications backbone local companies depend on to compete in the world economy, creating local employment opportunities and advancing healthcare, education and connectivity for citizens across the region.”
The funds will go towards extending the new 4G LTE network to Prince George as well as extending Optik TV to more Prince George homes. It will connect Cluculz Lake, Kitwanga, Hansard, Wet’suwet’en and Reid Lake to broadband Internet and extend wireless coverage along northern highways.
This investment comes on top of the $11 million TELUS put into the city last year, which includes $3 million to expand its customer care centre, which employed 150 new team members. The company plans on hiring another 70 employees across northern B.C. this year.