Telus plans to invest about $66 billion across Canada over the next five years to expand its network infrastructure, strengthen the country’s AI capacity and accelerate 5G and fibre connectivity.

An office-to-residential real estate program will also be part of the mix Telus announced Tuesday.

The Vancouver-based telecommunications company said the investment will support projects aimed at boosting Canada’s technological independence and economic growth, including the expansion of its AI supercomputing operations, new sovereign AI data centres in British Columbia and the redevelopment of former corporate buildings into residential housing.

“The $66 billion announced today builds upon the $294 billion that TELUS has put to work across Canada since 2000, to ensure our fellow citizens have the vital connectivity needed to thrive in today’s digital world,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of Telus.

“The critical infrastructure our talented team of innovators and engineers is creating represents the 21st century equivalent to building transportation corridors that connect our country,” he added.

As part of the investment plan, Telus said it will expand its sovereign AI infrastructure following strong demand for its Rimouski, Que., AI facility, which sold out after launching in September 2025. As Connect recently reported, the company is also developing three AI facilities in British Columbia, including a Kamloops site scheduled to come online later this year and two additional Vancouver facilities.

The company said it will continue expanding its 5G and PureFibre networks, including building more than 160 new cell towers and upgrading more than 1,000 wireless sites nationwide this year. Telus also plans to invest more than $3.3 million to expand broadband and wireless connectivity to more than 12,000 rural and Indigenous households through 2026.

Telus said its housing initiative will convert former central office buildings into purpose-built rental-apartment developments as part of the company’s broader infrastructure and sustainability strategy.

“By continuing to invest in our world-leading networks, we are demonstrating Telus’ commitment to always building Canada, supporting our fellow Canadians for generations to come,” Entwistle said.

Photo: Telus