TELUS Advances Network Upgrade from Copper to Fibre, Driving Incredible Sustainability Benefits for Canadians

TELUS has successfully recycled more than 3,600 tonnes of copper 

Copper to Fibre transition has already resulted in a cumulative reduction of over 7,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions as PureFibre is up to 85 per cent more energy efficient than copper and more resilient to extreme weather events

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 8, 2024 /CNW/ - TELUS' commitment to upgrading its network from copper to PureFibre, synonymous with lightning-fast speeds and unparalleled reliability, continues to enable significant but lesser-known environmental benefits, contributing to Canada's ambitious net-zero targets and helping create a more sustainable future. Our early strategic investment in award-winning TELUS PureFibre has positioned us as a global leader in copper retirement and enabled the significant reduction of over 7,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since 2018 – equivalent to removing over 1,600 gas-powered cars from our roads for one year*. This is attributed to the decommissioning of thousands of copper devices and our copper retirement program, where we have recycled or repurposed more than 3,600 tonnes of copper, offsetting the need to mine new copper sources.

"Copper plays a vital role in Canada's electrification strategy, supporting the transmission and distribution network, as well as renewable technologies. By strategically repurposing copper, TELUS is directly contributing to the country's electrification goals and building a circular economy around this valuable resource. Our proactive metal recycling initiative sets the standard for an industrial-scale recycling program, further solidifying TELUS' leadership in sustainability," said Tony Geheran, Chief Operations Officer at TELUS.

Since 2018, TELUS has been on a journey to migrate residential customers from copper to PureFibre, and we are proud to announce that we have successfully migrated over half a million to date. As of the end of 2023, TELUS has migrated 98 per cent of eligible customers with 14 key geographies across BC and AB now completely copper free, paving the way for the numerous benefits inherent with PureFibre, including faster speeds, and increased resilience to extreme weather events, ensuring that TELUS' network remains available even during severe weather emergencies. 

At up to 85 percent more energy-efficient than copper, TELUS PureFibre is Canada's most sustainable internet technology. This energy efficiency has reduced network repair activity and technician visits by two-thirds, resulting in fewer tailpipe emissions from our fleet.

TELUS remains committed to driving sustainable innovation and delivering superior connectivity to Canadians. The network investment from copper to fibre is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals while providing our customers with a more reliable and future-proof network.

* Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS' global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering more than 69 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.6 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

Athyu Eleti
TELUS Media Relations
[e-mail]

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.