TELUS Plots its Urban LTE Rollout for 2012

Telus will makes its LTE debut early 2012 in major markets across Canada. Following extensive field testing in 2011 and the completion of an RFP process currently underway, TELUS expects to begin construction on its 4G+ LTE network in the latter half of 2011.

TELUS' LTE network will operate on the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum that TELUS purchased for $882 million in Industry Canada's auction process in 2008. The launch of 4G+ over 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum is the first stage in the upgrade to LTE. While services offered in 2012 will begin the evolution to LTE in major urban centres, the completion of the rollout into rural Canada will be dependent on the Industry Canada auction of frequencies in the 700 MHz band.

TELUS said the timing of its planned LTE launch in 2012 is appropriate and opportune given its desire to leverage the economies of scale in the manufacturing of LTE equipment, the hardening of LTE technology for market readiness, the progression in the development of LTE-capable data devices and smartphones and the need to synchronize the higher bandwidth capabilities of LTE with the accelerating appetite of clients for data rich services.

"It will be critical for the Federal Government to enable an equitable opportunity for TELUS to acquire 700 MHz spectrum in the auction planned for late 2012 to support our plans to expand availability of 4G+ LTE wireless service to rural markets. TELUS is eager to play a leading role in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural Canada such that all Canadians can benefit from broadband wireless LTE technology. The demand for mobile broadband is expanding at a tremendous rate and is a fundamental enabler for business productivity and the benefits consumers experience from the availability and ongoing development of thousands of creative mobile applications. Furthermore, the rollout of wireless broadband to as many Canadians as possible will elevate Canada's connectedness, expanding the reach of critical social services including the best technology, practices and expertise in healthcare and education," said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of TELUS.

TELUS also noted that these plans are consistent with its consolidated capital expenditure targets.http://