Telus plans to invest C$650 million in British Columbia

Telus Corporation, Canada's second-largest telecom company, said Tuesday it will invest C$650 million in 2010 to extend the reach of its wireline and wireless broadband services in the western province of British Columbia.

Through the proposed investment, Telus aims to deliver advanced internet services and a new more personalised version of high definition digital Telus TV, powered by Microsoft Mediaroom.

The new platform enables customers to record and playback TV shows on up to six TVs in a home, and record three programmes simultaneously from any room using a single personal video recorder (PVR) solution.

Telus president and CEO Darren Entwistle said: ''This significant commitment is bringing the benefits of one of the world's most advanced wireless networks, high speed internet and high definition Telus TV to more people in our home province.''

The company has invested more than C$22 billion in technology and operations in British Columbia during the last 10 years, Entwistle said.

It is believed that Telus' investment on infrastructure is part of its strategy to take on rival Calgary-based Shaw Communications, a popular provider of cable TV services in the region, with its state-of-the-art Telus TV.