How TELUS is serving a greater purpose
Technology is transforming everything around us, from the way we conduct business to how we turn on the lights. But it’s not just about asking Siri or Alexa to put on our favourite song. It’s about helping people live better lives and keeping us all connected to what matters most.
“When we think of Alberta’s infrastructure, we often think of roads, railways and pipelines. Our ability to drive growth and competitiveness within our traditional industries, and diversifying our economy into new growth areas, depends heavily on the quality of our digital networks,” says Navin Arora, president of TELUS Business Solutions.
“It’s critical for Alberta’s citizens and businesses to have access to world-class network infrastructure so they have the means to do things better, faster, safer and more sustainably in today’s digital economy.”
Since 2000, TELUS has spent more than $45 billion on wireless and broadband infrastructure — $5 billion in Calgary alone. The company will spend an additional $16 billion in Alberta through 2023 in technology and operations to connect more communities to fibre and prepare for the future of 5G, the next generation of wireless networks. This investment will generate 5,000 new job opportunities, enhancing connected home, business, security, IOT, cybersecurity, smart buildings, smart cities and health services across Alberta.
“With breakthrough technologies like 5G, businesses will be poised to not only run their business more efficiently, but operate locally and compete globally like never before. It’s a real opportunity to do things both differently and better,” says Arora.
The billions being invested in Purefibre and 5G serve as the catalyst for fuelling innovation and economic diversification in new industries, like agtech, and traditional ones, such as oil and gas.
In agriculture, TELUS has made significant investments recently to spur new innovation: Specifically focusing on technology to help farmers optimize food production and better manage soil nutrients; as well as acquiring a software technology platform that allows growers to track farm inventory and manage field records.
“By 2050, it’s expected there will be more than nine billion people on Earth, meaning food production will have to increase by 70 per cent, and with no new land, we’re looking at how we can leverage data and technology to address this important social challenge.”
In oil and gas, TELUS’ low-power wide area network is enabling resource companies to conduct well site monitoring in remote, hard-to-reach locations, helping them identify safety and equipment issues before they arise.
TELUS’ ability to help make a difference doesn’t just mean connecting
Alberta’s residents and businesses digitally. The telecommunications company embraces a philosophy that puts social purpose at the heart of its business.
“Everything we do at TELUS is really grounded in our purpose — to leverage the power of our networks, our technology and our people to enable remarkable human outcomes. But I believe the difference for TELUS lies in our team, and how we all truly believe that in order to do well in business, we must do well in our communities.”
TELUS’ commitment to Calgary and our city’s future growth are unmistakable. They’re one of the leading employers in the region with more than 5,000 team members.
Its national B2B division, the second largest in TELUS, is headquartered downtown and will soon be moving to TELUS Sky, a $350 million LEED platinum development in downtown Calgary. TELUS has also contributed more than $54 million to local charitable organizations including the philanthropic work of the TELUS Calgary Community Board.