Questions and answers
What is TELUS' strategy regarding its broadband networks and what are the benefits for customers and investors?
Hyper-connectivity has the potential to greatly increase network traffic and has emerged as the key phenomenon that is now driving network investments. Smartphones took centre stage last year, and in 2011 we believe new options in hardware and additional services will enable consumers to do more in more places than ever before. This could include posting on Facebook from your TV, video-gaming on powerful smartphones and watching the end of last night's TV show on a tablet on the train. To enable this, TELUS continues to make capital investments each year that extend the speed, reach and capabilities of our advanced wireless and wireline broadband networks.
The launch of Canada's fastest* coast-to-coast HSPA+ network in late 2009 significantly enhanced our ability to compete for new customers. We continue to maximize the potential of our 4G HSPA+ network with the deployment of dual-cell technology in large urban areas, which we expect to double manufacturer-rated data download speeds in 2011 to up to 42 Mbps. Upgrading to dual-cell technology is a natural progression on our path to long-term evolution (LTE) technology, which is expected to further enhance network speeds, capabilities and efficiencies.
In 2010, we substantially completed our ADSL2+ broadband build to 2.1 million households in B.C., Alberta and Eastern Quebec. We also continued to overlay VDSL2 technology in our broadband network, enabling us to further enhance Internet and TV viewing experiences with significantly faster network speeds. We plan to complete this in 2011. TELUS is also implementing key upgrades to our IP core and distribution networks. These major investments will enable TELUS to continue offering premium differentiated and integrated Optik TV service and applications.
To future-proof our infrastructure, TELUS continues to deploy fibre-to-the-home access using gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology to connect new single-family residential developments and fibre-to-the-building to connect new condos and apartments.
Eros Spadotto
Executive Vice-President, Technology StrategyTELUS is converging voice, Optik TV and data services over our next-generation IP networks, which are expected to support the ever-increasing customer demand for TV, Internet and wireless services in more places. We are well positioned to offer new services, such as TV on your computer or mobile device. Additional convergence benefits include simplification of the network, reduced provisioning time and improved reliability.
The ongoing capital investments that are extending the speed, reach and capabilities of TELUS' advanced wireless and wireline broadband networks should further enhance the customer experience and also strengthen our competitive position.