TELUS and Doig River First Nation, in partnership with All Nations Trust Company, the Government of Canada, the Government of BC and the Northern Development Initiative Trust, celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for TELUS PureFibre, which will enable faster, more reliable internet and wireless connectivity in Northeast BC, unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses.
This $19.2-million project will connect more than 60 households and a dozen businesses in Doig River First Nation, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Fort St. John, as well as hundreds of households in another 14 communities.
This PureFibre expansion is a continuation of TELUS' ongoing efforts to bring Western Canada's fastest and most reliable internet technology to even more rural and Indigenous communities, residents and businesses.
"This project moves us one step closer to a future where all Indigenous communities can leverage connectivity to achieve their unique goals and drive long-term prosperity," said Shazia Zeb Sobani, VP of Customer Network Planning at TELUS. "We are committed to continuing to work closely with Indigenous, federal, provincial and local governments to enhance access to our world-leading technology, so that everyone, no matter where they live in Canada, can access the tools they need to realize their full potential and shape their social and economic outcomes more favourably."
To date, more than 16,000 homes in over 90 Indigenous communities in British Columbia have access to TELUS PureFibre. Soon, Doig River First Nation will have access to the same life-changing benefits and exciting possibilities that TELUS' world-leading technology is enabling in education, employment, business, healthcare and entertainment.
Related: TELUS Unveils PureFibre in Township of Langley for Enhanced Digital Access
Related: TELUS Completes PureFibre Network in Lac La Biche County
"This project is much more than a technology installation – it is a beacon of future possibilities for our community," said Doig River First Nation Chief, Trevor Makadahay. "As we continue to develop our nation, empower our youth and connect with our elders, we see technology being required more and more. We need to be able to participate meaningfully in our culture, heritage and the opportunity that is ever present across the region. We are excited to see this project come to fruition as we work together towards a better tomorrow for our members.”
The new fiber-optic infrastructure will also serve as the backbone for TELUS' wireless network, laying the groundwork for 5G technologies in the years to come, and ensuring that people living in Doig First Nation have the tools they need to fully participate in the digital economy.
As the only 100% fiber network in Western Canada, TELUS delivers unparalleled internet speeds, specifically symmetrical upload and download speeds, using sustainable and reliable technology.
"High-speed internet is more than a luxury, it's a necessity. Working with TELUS, your federal government is bringing high-speed internet to every home in British Columbia by 2027. In today's digital world, communities big and small need reliable internet access, whether it's for accessing healthcare or growing a business," said the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Through public-private partnerships, 606 Indigenous lands have been connected to TELUS' broadband network and 248 Indigenous lands connected to TELUS' PureFibre network, positively impacting rural and Indigenous households and businesses.
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