TELUS to invest CAD $2 billion in Ontario & Quebec broadband
TELUS has announced a five-year investment programme totalling CAD $2 billion to expand broadband infrastructure across Ontario and Quebec.
This investment is designed to deliver broadband fibre and wireless infrastructure, connecting more homes and businesses to faster internet speeds, offering new services and improving affordability.
The new commitment supplements the CAD $70 billion programme disclosed earlier this year by TELUS to enhance broadband connectivity, increase competition and consumer choice, support Canadian artificial intelligence (AI) leadership and contribute to economic growth through 2029. Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than CAD $276 billion in productivity and supporting a strong national economy.
Infrastructure and network expansion
The latest investment follows the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) confirmation of the wholesale fibre-to-the-premise framework, complementing existing wholesale fibre access agreements. TELUS expects this to support its aim of delivering services across the country, accelerating network builds, and contributing to advancing competition and affordability in Canada.
Darren Entwistle, President and Chief Executive Officer of TELUS, commented:
"Today's announcement regarding our TELUS broadband fibre and wireless expansion reinforces our long-standing commitment to sustained, transformative investments that advance economic and social prosperity for all Canadians. Against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty, TELUS stands as one of the few companies committing to bold, future-focused infrastructure investments that bolster digital inclusion and bridge digital divides by bringing globally leading connectivity to communities of all sizes."
"Notably, by expanding our world-leading TELUS broadband network in Ontario and Quebec in a synergistic combination with our wholesale fibre access, millions of citizens and businesses will be empowered with the connectivity needed to fully participate in the digital economy, unlocking benefits for generations to come. The $2 billion we are investing in Ontario and Quebec over the next five years transcends traditional connectivity; it is powering new and advanced digital services including, AI-fuelled smart home energy management, next-generation healthcare, affordable security and exciting entertainment solutions – driving innovation across all sectors of the economy and our societies, propelling our productivity and quality of life as a nation."
According to TELUS, new fibre-optic infrastructure will underpin its 5G wireless network, aiming to give both individuals and businesses the tools needed to manage day-to-day activities and compete commercially in a digital environment. The company stated that TELUS PureFibre technology is 85% more energy-efficient than copper alternatives and claims greater durability in challenging weather and environmental conditions, describing it as a more sustainable and reliable technology choice.
Funding and long-term investment profile
The announced CAD $2 billion is to be embraced within TELUS' annual budget and supported by investments from strategic build partnerships. The stated goals include enhancing connectivity, supporting AI leadership, and fuelling economic growth, all of which are in line with the company's previously disclosed investment programmes and targets for 2025. These plans take into account the company's longer-term capital intensity objectives and deleveraging targets, including the upcoming removal of the dividend reinvestment plan discount.
TELUS executives highlight the intended scope of the investment, which extends beyond connecting customers to internet services and into supporting advanced digital applications, including smart home energy management and next-generation health and security solutions. These are targeted at both residential and commercial users within the markets of Ontario and Quebec.
TELUS has also introduced a new national brand tagline, "We're always building Canada," which it identifies as a reflection of its ongoing commitment to national development, not only through infrastructure, but also through services that promote digital inclusion, healthcare, energy efficiency, and economic productivity.
The company's ongoing investments have been consistent with its public disclosures and guidance for 2025, as reflected in capital expenditures disclosed in official quarterly results and forward-looking plans. TELUS has emphasised that these efforts are meant to keep pace with both technology demands and societal changes across the country.
This investment will affect a broad geographic segment, with Ontario and Quebec representing some of the most populous and economically significant provinces in Canada. TELUS views the regulatory certainty provided by CRTC decisions as crucial in enabling this scale of commitment and fostering a competitive, affordable marketplace for broadband services.
