Frequently Asked Questions

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Why have you committed up to $500 million of capital over five years to expand your high-speed Internet services in Western Canada?

> The future of telecommunications is tied to the Internet and as demand grows and costs fall, it should soon be a profitable business. The demand for high-speed Internet from the consumer and small business markets in Alberta and British Columbia is expected to grow 45% in 2001. Over the next three years, the growth is expected to average 30%. In fact, current demand is higher than what we can supply.

Providing ADSL technology to a customer is a considerable undertaking. In order for a customer to be eligible for ADSL service, the customer's home or business must be within three to four kilometres of a Central Office that has ADSL data equipment installed. In addition, the cable connection between the Central Office and the customer must be capable of carrying ADSL. If not, additional time and equipment is necessary to make it suitable. If a customer lives more than three to four kilometers from a Central Office, a new ADSL equipment location must be created closer to the customer.

With an initial investment in 2001 of $190 million, over the next five years, TELUS will expand its coverage by building capable facilities in 38 major communities in Alberta and B.C. This will provide over 95% of all homes and businesses in these communities, and at least 70% of the entire population in British Columbia and Alberta, access to TELUS high-speed Internet service. This aggressive high-speed Internet rollout plan is a cornerstone of TELUS' Internet, data, and wireless-focused strategy.