TELUS and Doig River First Nation, in partnership with All Nations Trust Company, the Government of Canada, the Government of B.C. and the Northern Development Initiative Trust, celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for TELUS PureFibre, which will enable faster, more reliable internet and wireless connectivity in Northeast B.C., unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses.
This $19.2-million project will connect more than 60 households and a dozen businesses in Doig River First Nation, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Fort St. John, as well as hundreds of households in another 14 communities. This PureFibre expansion is a continuation of TELUS' ongoing efforts to bring Western Canada's fastest and most reliable internet technology to even more rural and Indigenous communities, residents and businesses.
"This project moves us one step closer to a future where all Indigenous communities can leverage connectivity to achieve their unique goals and drive long-term prosperity," said Shazia Zeb Sobani, Vice-president of Customer Network Planning at TELUS. "We are committed to continuing to work closely with Indigenous, federal, provincial and local governments to enhance access to our world-leading technology, so that everyone, no matter where they live in Canada, can access the tools they need to realize their full potential and shape their social and economic outcomes more favourably."
To date, more than 16,000 homes in over 90 Indigenous communities in British Columbia have access to TELUS PureFibre. Soon, Doig River First Nation will have access to the same life-changing benefits and exciting possibilities that TELUS' world-leading technology is enabling in education, employment, business, healthcare and entertainment.
"This project is much more than a technology installation – it is a beacon of future possibilities for our community," said Doig River First Nation Chief, Trevor Makadahay. "As we continue to develop our nation, empower our youth and connect with our elders, we see technology being required more and more. We need to be able to participate meaningfully in our culture, heritage and the opportunity that is ever present across the region. We are excited to see this project come to fruition as we work together towards a better tomorrow for our members. At milestone moments, such as this, we thank our elders and all those who came before, laying the groundwork for the successful present and future we will undoubtedly create."
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