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Highlights
- TELUS and Calgary Airport Authority to launch a 5G private wireless network at YYC.
- The network will transform the passenger experience and optimize airport operations.
- This partnership sets a new standard for digital aviation infrastructure in Canada.
TELUS (TSX:T), a leader in private wireless networks, and the Calgary Airport Authority have entered a groundbreaking 10-year partnership to transform YYC Calgary International Airport into Canada's first airport equipped with a high-performance 5G private wireless network. This ultra-fast, low-latency network will deliver consistent, enterprise-grade connectivity across the entire airport campus, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience while positioning YYC as a trailblazer in digital aviation infrastructure.
As the leader in private wireless networks in Canada, TELUS is well-equipped to spearhead this initiative, building on its expertise in deploying the country’s largest private 5G network. This landmark deployment will not only future-proof YYC Calgary International Airport but will also contribute to Canada’s aviation industry becoming a global leader in digital transformation.
Key Benefits and Features of TELUS and YYC’s 5G Private Wireless Network:
- Enhanced Passenger Experience:
The 5G private wireless network will dramatically improve connectivity for passengers, offering faster and more reliable wireless services. This upgrade will support the increasing demand for data-heavy services, such as real-time flight information, interactive wayfinding, and enhanced mobile services, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. The network’s ultra-low latency will enable faster check-in processes and optimized boarding, reducing wait times and improving efficiency at key touchpoints throughout the airport.
- Streamlined Airport Operations:
For airport operations, the 5G network will enable IoT devices and smart sensors to function in real time, improving airside operations, baggage handling, and overall airport management. The private wireless infrastructure will support secure, uninterrupted communication between airport teams and automated systems, ensuring a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable airport operation. The ability to handle increased data volumes and provide low-latency connectivity will improve resource allocation, enhance safety, and help manage growing passenger traffic effectively.
- Scalability and Future-Proofing:
This partnership not only meets the current needs of YYC but also prepares the airport for future growth and technological advancements. As noted by Megan Gupton, Chief Information Officer at YYC Calgary Airport Authority, the network is designed to scale with future demand. By leveraging TELUS’ private 5G technology, the airport will be better equipped to integrate innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and autonomous systems, that will redefine the aviation industry over the coming years.
"This partnership with TELUS allows us to pioneer an innovative network solution for Canadian air transportation," said Gupton. "The infrastructure will enhance the travel experience for passengers now and enable us to scale effectively for future demand, setting the stage for the digital future of aviation."
TELUS’s Commitment to Building Canada’s Digital Future
The first-of-its-kind deployment at YYC Calgary International Airport reflects TELUS’s ongoing commitment to powering Canada’s digital future and reinforcing its position as a global leader in 5G network development. TELUS is leveraging its extensive expertise in delivering private wireless networks to build smart infrastructure that enhances operational productivity, increases resilience, and fosters sustainability in critical facilities.
“This partnership with YYC Calgary International Airport showcases TELUS's commitment to powering Canada's digital future,” said Navin Arora, Executive Vice-president of TELUS and President of TELUS Business Solutions. “By implementing the country’s first airport-wide private wireless network, we’re not just enhancing current operations—we’re creating a platform for continuous innovation that will elevate the travel experience and operational efficiency for years to come.”
The network will be deployed in phases, with initial operations expected to begin on May 1, 2025. This collaboration between TELUS and the Calgary Airport Authority sets a new benchmark for airport technology in Canada and provides a blueprint for digital transformation in critical infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
This partnership is not only a significant technological leap for YYC but also represents a wider shift in how airports and other critical infrastructure will adopt 5G networks to enhance services and operations. As Canada’s first private 5G airport network, this project will be closely watched as an example of how telecom innovation can seamlessly integrate with aviation to provide next-level solutions for both passengers and operators.
