Telus is enhancing productivity and fostering innovation in Canada with its proprietary AI platform, Fuel iX. This platform, utilized by over 50,000 employees, is designed to streamline various processes, generating new revenue streams while supporting the nation’s goals for sovereign AI infrastructure.

Leveraging AI for Business Growth

With the introduction of generative AI, Telus made a strategic decision to embrace technology rather than restrict its use. Instead of prohibiting tools like ChatGPT, Telus developed its own AI platform known as Fuel iX. Currently, this platform is leveraged by more than 53,000 employees who gain access to an array of functionalities across 40 different large language models (LLMs), significantly boosting operational efficiency.

Transforming Employee Roles

Fuel iX has transformed how Telus employees operate. Software developers can generate code at an accelerated pace, while the legal team utilizes the platform for comprehensive research on new regulations. Users can also create custom information stores, known as retrieval-augmented generation (RAGs), to gather data from various sources including Google Drive.

Boosting Technician Productivity

One area significantly improved by Fuel iX is the productivity of network technicians. By integrating AI into their workflow, technicians can access multiple systems through a chat interface, eliminating time wasted in toggling between different applications. This innovative approach allows technicians to manage their daily schedules more effectively, leading to substantial time savings—average time saved is reported to be around 90 minutes per week.

Improving B2B Sales Processes

On the business-to-business sales front, the AI platform assists representatives in managing client relationships more effectively. By providing contextual information—such as client history and suggested discussion points—the AI enhances the sales process from initial interest through to contract signing. This streamlined approach has led to a dramatic increase in the number of viable leads for Telus sales teams.

Building Sovereign AI Infrastructure

In addition to internal improvements, Telus is working on establishing sovereign AI computing capabilities in Canada, aiming to have these systems operational by the end of the summer. This initiative is vital for providing Canadian businesses, governmental agencies, and researchers with the necessary AI infrastructure to drive innovation and competitiveness in the global market.

Supporting Canadian Talent and Innovation

With productivity levels in Canada lagging behind those in the U.S., and challenges in attracting and retaining top talent, the development of sovereign AI infrastructure is seen as a crucial step. By establishing multiple data centers in remote locations like Rimouski, Quebec, and Kamloops, British Columbia, Telus aims to enhance the technological landscape and foster a robust environment for talent and innovation.

As emerging reports indicate, Telus is at the forefront of telecommunications companies harnessing AI for business transformation and revenue generation. By taking a proactive approach to AI integration, Telus is not only enhancing its organizational performance but is also contributing to the broader landscape of AI-driven initiatives in Canada.

Transforming Employee Productivity with Innovative AI Solutions

In a move to enhance operational efficiency and explore new revenue avenues, a leading telecom company has developed an in-house AI platform named Fuel iX. This powerful tool is now actively utilized by over 50,000 employees across various functions, including coding, legal research, network operations, and sales support.

Embracing Generative AI

Instead of restricting access to popular generative AI tools like ChatGPT, the organization recognized the potential benefits and chose to create its own AI solution. The thoughtfully designed Fuel iX platform currently accommodates 53,000–55,000 users, who can access and experiment with 40 different large language models (LLMs) tailored to their needs.

Enhancing Workflow Across Departments

Fuel iX has proven invaluable for various departments, leading to significant enhancements in productivity. For instance, software developers can now generate code at an accelerated pace, while the legal team efficiently researches new regulations. The platform facilitates the creation of customized AI copilots and retrieval-augmented generation (RAGs), allowing users to generate insights from information stored across platforms like Google Drive.

Streamlining Network Technician Operations

AI technology has notably improved the workflow of network technicians, who traditionally navigate multiple scheduling systems. With integration into chat applications, technicians can communicate their schedules and access instructions seamlessly. This innovation eliminates the need to switch between various systems, thus reducing administrative time significantly—saving around 90 minutes per week that can be redirected toward more impactful work.

Boosting Sales Efficiency

In the realm of business-to-business sales, each user typically manages a lengthy list of clients. The AI system enhances this process by providing essential background on customers, including service duration, last contact, and discussion topics. This enables sales representatives to have more informed conversations, resulting in a noticeable uptick in valuable leads.

Building Sovereign AI Infrastructure

Beyond internal innovations, the telecom company is setting its sights on developing sovereign AI compute solutions in Canada, aiming for completion by the end of summer. This initiative is intended to provide Canadian businesses and researchers with the AI infrastructure necessary for driving innovation and enhancing productivity.

Strategic Data Center Developments

The establishment of multiple data centers is crucial for effective sovereign AI deployment. Two primary facilities are strategically located in Rimouski, Quebec, and Kamloops, British Columbia. These centers will not only support the organization’s AI ambitions but also contribute to Canada’s broader tech landscape, fostering an environment conducive to attracting and retaining top talent.

The Future of AI in Telecommunications

As telecom companies increasingly adopt AI technologies to enhance their service offerings and operational capabilities, the industry is witnessing a surge in innovative strategies. Many executives now recognize the transformative potential of AI, with increasing percentages reporting successful implementations aimed at reducing costs and elevating customer experiences. The future holds promising advancements as more companies embrace AI to fuel growth and drive business success.