When it comes to the internet, it seems the definition of fast is changing constantly.
After announcing last September that Penticton was about to get a blazing fast 150 mbps connection to the Internet, TELUS has upped the game again as they begin installation.
Penticton, Naramata and West Bench are the latest communities where TELUS is going to be offering their fastest speed connection, now 250Mbps, on both the upload and download channels.
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said this makes the Penticton area even more attractive for businesses looking to expand our set up shop.
“Technology is a key component to our economic development strategy and we’re excited to be one of only three cities in B.C. to receive this enhanced service,” said Jakubeit. “The availability of this service to our residents and businesses is a huge win and we are excited to have TELUS building on the momentum and growth being fostered in the city.”
Karla Kozakevich, chair of the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen agreed improved Internet services would encourage more home-based business owners and their families to make their home here.
Tony Geheran, executive vice-president for TELUS, explains the symmetrical Internet 250 allows users to upload as fast as they can download, and at high speed.
“You can download an HD movie or upload 100 high-resolution photos in just seconds,” said Geheran. “As technology evolves, the network we are building today will be equipped to keep pace and offer even faster speeds. This places Penticton, Naramata and West Bench at the forefront of the digital revolution, and gives the communities a true competitive advantage.”
Related: Wondering how fast your connection is? Try Speedtest.net
TELUS has made significant investments to bring fibre directly to the doorsteps of homes, businesses, schools and hospitals in all major Okanagan communities from Vernon to Osoyoos, making the Okanagan region home to the most advanced fibre network in Western Canada.
It’s all part of TELUS’ announcement last year that it was investing $26.5 million to connect more than 90 per cent of premises in the area directly to its fibre optic network. Construction work is underway, and TELUS anticipates the build will be complete by the end of the year.
The TELUS team is currently in the area knocking on doors and speaking directly to residents about connecting their property to the fibre network. There is no cost to accept the build, and no requirement to take TELUS services once the build is complete. In addition to offering access to the fastest speeds TELUS offers, they estimate a direct fibre connection can increase the value of a home by up to three per cent.
This investment is part of larger plan to expand high-speed access in the province. Since 2013, TELUS has connected more than 50 communities across B.C. to the TELUS PureFibre network. For more information, visit telus.com/penticton, and for a list of connected communities, please telus.com/fibre and follow the link for “view fibre communities.”