Telus to boost B.C. networks

Telus said Monday that it is planning tospend$670 millionon itsBritish Columbia networksthis year.

The company said it plans to lay "thousands" of kilometresof fibre-optic cable for its Optik TV and high-speed internet services, and plans 76 new cell sites. It's also introducing atechnology called HSPA+ Dual Cell that is intended to improve wireless broadband service.

The announcement Monday appears to be an increase in capital spending. Last year, the company spent$564 million across the country, its 2010 year-end report said.

Telus valued its property, plant and equipment at$7.72 billion at the end of 2010.

Wireless and its internet TVhave been important drivers in the company's revenue growth. By the end of 2010, it had 314,000 Optik TV customers in British Columbia, Alberta and Eastern Quebec.

The company made profit of $1.09 billion ($3.22 a share) in 2010, compared with $1.06 billion ($3.14) in 2009. Revenue was $9.78 billion, compared with $9.61 billion.