Telus and the Calgary Airport Authority announced Wednesday a 10-year, multi-million-dollar partnership that will transform YYC Calgary International Airport into the first airport in Canada to be equipped with a 5G private wireless network.
“This ultra-fast, low-latency network will deliver consistent, enterprise-grade connectivity throughout the airport campus,” a Telus press release says, adding this first-of-its-kind deployment in a Canadian airport will enhance passenger experiences and streamline airport operations while preparing for future tech innovations.
“At YYC, we’re focused on the future of travel,” said Megan Gupton, chief information officer at the Calgary Airport Authority, in the press release. “We’re proud to partner with TELUS to pioneer this innovative network solution for Canadian air transportation. With accelerated digitalization and the need for modernization of our network, this infrastructure will enhance the travel experience for passengers now and allow us to scale up more effectively to meet future demand. Fixed connections and Wi-Fi alone won’t be enough. The latest generation of private 5G networks are necessary to unlock greater productivity, resilience, and sustainability.”
The private wireless network will be deployed in phases, with initial operations beginning May 1, 2025. The solution maximizes Telus’s existing airport infrastructure while introducing new coverage enhancements both inside and outside the terminal, ensuring comprehensive wireless coverage for all airport users, the press release says.
“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. This collaboration sets a new standard for smart infrastructure in Canada and reinforces our position as a global leader in building world-class networks.”
