TELUS touts Montreal fiber-optic network investment

Canadian service provider TELUS (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) says it is on pace to spend CAN$111 million to install fiber-optic network infrastructure in and around Montreal as well as beef up indoor wireless capabilities at anchor institutions. It says its fiber cable infrastructure in the area will extend more than 4,000 km by the end of the year.

The Montreal activity is part of a CAN$2 billion investment through 2020 to improve connectivity across Quebec.

The new fiber-optic network infrastructure spend in Montreal will include improvements to such areas as Old Montreal, Anjou, Boucherville, Dorval, Île-Bizard, Pierrefonds, and Pointe-Claire.

"Fiber-optic cables are the backbone of all TELUS communications infrastructure. Our significant investment to extend the reach of this technology - the world's fastest - paves the way for connected businesses, innovative health technologies, and even the anticipated introduction of fifth-generation wireless networks," said François Gratton, executive vice-president and president, Business Solutions East and TELUS Québec.

"Montrealers know us primarily as a wireless company, and may not know that TELUS has 3,500 team members in Montreal dedicated to helping businesses and the healthcare system thrive by facilitating their adoption of new communications technologies. Montreal is one of the world's smartest cities, and we will continue playing an active economic role in bringing the infrastructure and services the city needs for a smart and connected future," Gratton concluded.

TELUS says it also will build indoor distributed antenna systems (DAS) this year in several health and educational facilities, including the McGill University Health Centre, the Montreal Heart Institute, the Jewish General Hospital and the Montreal University.

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