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Given the challenges faced by Sprint Nextel in the U.S. with its iDEN service,
what does the future hold for TELUS' Mike service?
TELUS operates a unique, differentiated wireless service under the brand name Mike. Based on Motorola's integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) technology, TELUS' service offers a fully featured mobile solution including Push To Talk (PTT) or walkie-talkie type service. Mike is differentiated against current CDMA-based PTT services in Canada, in that Mike's Direct Connect PTT service has superior call set-up time, inter-call latency and a loyal existing base of clients.
The challenges faced by Nextel's iDEN service in the U.S. following its acquisition by Sprint, highlighted by significant customer losses, have caused investors concern that TELUS could face similar challenges in Canada. The answer is a definite no, as there are fundamental differences between the two companies' approaches and current situations. Unlike Nextel, TELUS' Mike service has remained targeted at business customers with large mobile workforces, particularly those operating in grey and blue collar industries. In addition, Sprint's constrained spectrum position was a major motivating factor for the sizeable and disruptive migration of iDEN subscribers to PCS. TELUS' strong spectrum position means that a similar course of action is not necessary as a result of spectrum considerations.
However, a limitation of TELUS' Mike network is the lack of a high-speed wireless data solution and next generation (4G) migration path. This means customers requiring functionality for advanced high-speed wireless data solutions are beginning to look for alternatives other than Mike. Recognizing this, in early 2007 we proactively initiated a targeted retention program to identify predominantly heavy voice and light PTT users. Where appropriate, these customers are contacted with an offer to migrate to a TELUS PCS data device on our high-speed EVDO Rev A wireless network.
As for the future, Sprint Nextel, the largest single operator of iDEN, has committed to improve and market the iDEN network until at least 2012. Sprint Nextel also announced plans to launch, as early as 2008, Q-Chat technology, which would provide PTT services on its high-speed CDMA network. Sprint Nextel is expected to offer interoperability between iDEN PTT and Q-Chat PTT through a gateway technology. We are monitoring these developments closely and liaising with network suppliers. Given that TELUS has both iDEN and CDMA-based networks, we stand to benefit from these technological advancements.
Mike remains the PTT market leader in Canada with a robust service. While the business is maturing, Mike continues to provide excellent functionality to targeted customer groups and remains a key selling solution in our product line-up. In fact in 2007, TELUS increased its iDEN technology advantage by launching four new business data applications (focusing on global positioning for tracking and dispatch) and eight new handsets, resulting in the addition of a significant number of new Mike service users. Importantly, the economics of the Mike iDEN business, with limited capital expenditure requirements and strong cash flow, continues to remain very attractive for TELUS.

Joe Natale
Executive Vice-President, and President,
TELUS Business Solutions

Eros Spadotto
Executive Vice-President,
Technology Strategy

