Canadian telecom companies say demand for their services has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and will change business once the lockdown ends.
Rogers Communications Inc. told a House of Commons committee that home internet usage is up more than 50 per cent, voice call usage on its wireless network is up 40 per cent, and 1-800 toll-free calls are up more than 300 per cent.
Prevost said he expects business, including its own, will change dramatically as employees return to work. "COVID-19 has exposed how important connectivity is to all Canadians," said vice-president Tony Geheran. Geheran said the crisis has accentuated the need for better internet access for rural Canadians, which Telus has invested heavily in. Of $5 billion put into infrastructure over the past six years, $1 billion has gone to connect 40 per cent of all rural Canadian homes to Telus services.
The company said it has been able to meet the increased demands by having invested to ensure there's reliable infrastructure. It committed to invest more than $1 billion more over the next four years but said it needs a stable regulatory regime.
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