Telus sets $4.5-Billion Capital Plan for B.C., Heavy on Fibre Optics

Telus will spend $1.2 billion on capital projects in B.C. this year under a plan that leans heavily on expanding its network of ultra-high-speed fibre-optic cable directly to homes and businesses in communities throughout the province, the company said Tuesday.

Over the next four years, it expects its capital spending will top $4.5 billion on new fibre cable, expansion of its high-speed wireless network and new technology for its services in health care and education.

"By the end of 2019, Telus will have invested more than $51 billion in British Columbia since 2000," said CEO Darren Entwistle, who returned to the top executive job late last year, replacing former executive Joe Natale.

Telus spent $24 million on compensation to its two CEOs in 2015, according to company filings, $12.5 million to Entwistle, including a $2.7-million contract renegotiation grant, and $11.7 million to Natale.

The capital spending plan includes connecting thousands of homes and businesses to its gigabit-enabled fibre optic cable network in Vancouver, Vernon, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Merritt and 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the tourist hotspots of Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island.

Other projects will include expanding wireless service along 1,540 additional kilometres of highway under its connecting B.C. agreement with the province, and building new cell towers to extend wireless coverage to 99 per cent of the province.

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