MARCH 3, 2022

TELUS begins roll-out of next-generation 9–1-1 service across Alberta and British Columbia enabling  critical new means of communication with first responders

Vancouver (March 3, 2022) - Today, TELUS announced the successful roll-out of the first phase of migration to the Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services in British Columbia and Alberta, with Canada being the first country in the world to begin the rollout of NG9-1-1 on a national level. 

From more precise location data to video and photo sharing, and enabling connected vehicles to contact public safety services independently, NG9-1-1 opens the technological possibilities for enhanced information sharing for first responders in the field. Together, with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), TELUS will bring public safety to the forefront by developing and delivering a state of the art, IP-based NG9-1-1 network. NG9-1-1 continues to deliver essential voice services to callers seeking emergency support while also increasing capacity and safety for residents.

“In an emergency, every second counts and information is critical. Bringing this next-generation technology to the people of Alberta and B.C. will save lives, and that is something that we at TELUS are very proud to support, ”said Jerome Birot, VP-Voice & Services Development Opportunities at TELUS. “Our world-leading 5G network provides the perfect environment to bring the future of emergency communications, Next-Generation 9-1-1, to life, enabling the seamless flow of information, including text, photos and video, to first responders, while facilitating vastly enhanced functionality in the future - this is just the beginning.”

Historically, 911 systems have been limited to voice calls with only a limited capacity for text messaging in very specific circumstances. For example, Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers, once they registered with their wireless provider, could utilize text messaging in an emergency through their cell phones. NG9-1-1 which will see the eventual arrival of video calling, widespread text availability and document sharing such as image uploads, which will improve communication and provide accessibility benefits to support users and first responders.

Additional traffic will be strategically and cautiously loaded onto TELUS’ NG9-1-1 network. The conclusion of this migration will critically enhance public safety by adding significant capacity for large-scale emergencies involving high call volumes.

“Of the more than 5.5 million calls received to TELUS’ 9-1-1 selective routers in 2020, not a single call was dropped and we knew we could take this network leadership to new heights with NG9-1-1 and provide enhanced service to the citizens of Alberta and B.C.,” continued Birot.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $17 billion in annual revenue and 17 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We 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. 

TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. 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 management, for global and disruptive brands across high-growth industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, ecommerce and FinTech, healthcare, and travel and hospitality. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $900 million and 1.8 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 @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram. 

For inquiries, please contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker
[email protected]