Highlights 

  • TELUS begins deploying a 125 km submarine fibre optic cable between Sept-Îles and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. 
  • Joint investment exceeding USD 20 million with the Government of Canada funds the initiative. 
  • Project aims to enhance network reliability for Quebec’s North Shore region. 

TELUS (TSX:T) has announced the start of installation work on its 125 km submarine fibre optic cable connecting Sept-Îles and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. The project, worth over USD 20 million, is being jointly financed by TELUS and the Government of Canada. 

The new undersea infrastructure will act as a backup route for the main terrestrial telecommunications network along Highway 138 between Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles. This redundancy is designed to help maintain network services in case of disruptions caused by extreme weather or other events. TELUS expects the cable to be operational before the end of 2025. 

Statements from TELUS and the Government of Canada 

Nazim Benhadid, Chief Technology Officer of TELUS, said: 

“This deployment marks the culmination of several years of careful planning and represents a major technological turning point for the North Shore. By anchoring this fibre optic infrastructure on the seabed, we are creating a robust communications path that will ensure essential service continuity, especially during extreme weather conditions. Beyond the technology, this project will guarantee citizens reliable access to essential services, education, and healthcare. Investing in the resilience of our networks means investing in the future and prosperity of our communities and our country.” 

The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), added: 

“The entire population of Quebec should have access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet services. The federal government’s investment, in collaboration with TELUS, will help improve network reliability for communities on the North Shore. The official start of this installation marks an important milestone in connectivity for these communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support this project with a financial contribution of up to USD 7.5 million.” 

Technical Details 

The project is being carried out with IT International Telecom, whose specialized teams are overseeing the cable-laying operations expected to take 10 to 15 days. The process involves advanced vessels, mapping tools, and navigation systems to ensure compliance with high industry standards. 

  • The cable will extend roughly 125 km with a diameter of around three centimeters. 
  • Approximately 120 km of the cable will be buried 1.5 meters beneath the seabed for protection. 
  • It is designed for multi-decade durability, high bandwidth capacity, and ultra-low latency. 
  • The team will use AI-based thermal imaging and human detection systems to minimize noise and prevent marine mammal collisions — a first in Canada. 

Broader Infrastructure Context 

This project is part of TELUS’ long-term infrastructure development strategy, supported by an investment program totaling approximately USD 70 billion through 2029. The program focuses on network expansion, business growth, and spectrum acquisitions to enhance connectivity across Canada. 

About TELUS 

TELUS is a communications technology company operating in over 45 countries, generating annual revenue exceeding USD 20 billion and serving more than 20 million customers. The company’s operations span broadband, digital health, agriculture, and digital transformation services.