Chilliwack is being brought up to speed.
Construction by Telus on a $55-million fibre optic expansion project in Chilliwack is set to start within weeks.
Connecting to the Telus "Pure Fibre" fibre network should make a big difference, boosting data capacity and speeds for more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in Chilliwack.
“Chilliwack is a growing city, and this generational investment will dramatically improve Internet speed and capacity for residents and businesses large and small, as well as health care facilities and schools," said Tony Geheran, Telus executive VP, in a release about the investment locally.
"Once the build is complete, families and businesses right here in Chilliwack will have the same or even better Internet access than their neighbours in larger urban cities in the Lower Mainland.”
Residents will see faster speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps), and businesses and institutions will see even faster speeds.
As a rapidly growing city, Chilliwack has huge demand for high-speed Internet, and that's being recognized with the latest improvements.
“I’d like to thank Telus for their significant investment into the community’s connectivity infrastructure,” said John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack.
It will give them the speeds "they can depend on to learn, do business, and access services.”
His counterpart also sees the benefits of better fibre optics.
“As part of our #BCTECH Strategy, our government recognizes the importance of improving high speed Internet access province-wide,” said Laurie Throness, MLA for Chilliwack-Hope. “This investment will ensure Chilliwack residents and businesses have the digital infrastructure needed to live their lives and succeed in the global marketplace.”
Planning is underway, and construction work will begin in the coming weeks to connect all homes and businesses before 2019.
“Advancing Chilliwack’s economy is an important goal of Council,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “We enthusiastically welcome this investment and are supportive of technology that brings innovation and connectivity to businesses and residents.”
Telus will be talking to residents about the fibre network connections, and getting consent to connect homes.
"We anticipate the entire build will be complete by the end of next year, and most residents will be taking advantage of the fibre connection well before then," said Geheran.
This fibre connection investment is part of TELUS’ commitment to invest $4.5 billion throughout B.C. between 2016 and 2019, at no cost to taxpayers.