Canadian CDMA operator Telus has announced plans to invest CAD300 million (US$257 million) in advanced mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure in Ontario during 2009. Its investment in the next-generation wireless broadband infrastructure is focused on the nationwide rollout of its HSPA network. Telus, which has a CDMA/HSPA network sharing agreement with Canada’s remaining CDMA operator Bell, aims to launch HSPA services in Ontario and nationally in 2010.
TELUS today announced a 2009 capital plan investing more than $300 million focused primarily on advanced wireless and wireline broadband infrastructure in Ontario. This investment is supporting more than 900 jobs.

Since 2000, TELUS has made nearly $13 billion in capital and operating expenditures in the province.

Work is currently underway to build TELUS' next generation wireless network, using the most advanced mobile broadband technology. TELUS expects to launch the new network, based on the latest version of a technology known as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), in Ontario and nationally by early 2010. This investment is expected to ensure an optimal future transition to long term evolution (LTE) technology, the emerging worldwide standard for fourth generation or 4G networks.
TELUS' broadband wireline investment focuses on supporting new business contracts in Ontario, enabling more organizations to access leading edge connectivity, collaboration and network services that can improve the efficiency and competitiveness of their business. The extension of new broadband services creates significant benefits and opportunities in the areas of healthcare, education and economic development.

“Our 7,200 Ontario-based team members are proud of TELUS' legacy in this province and despite the challenging times we are committed to making significant investments that benefit the economy, our communities, and our customers,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. “Our investment of more than $300 million in leading broadband technology creates employment opportunities, contributes to the province's future competitiveness, and supports the launch of innovative new services for TELUS customers.”

Since 2000, TELUS and our team members have contributed more than $16 million and 115,000 volunteer hours to charitable and community organizations in Ontario. The Ontario Science Centre, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, Canadian Liver Foundation, National Arts Centre, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and the YMCA Youth Zone are just a few of the more than 760 Ontario charitable and non-profit organizations that TELUS has supported over the past nine years.

The capital investment disclosed in this release is consistent with TELUS' overall capital expenditure guidance for 2009.