#TELUSDIRECT

[mloukopo]

Wondering if anyone knows what the deal with the #TELUSDIRECT wifi network that is saved in to my Note 3. My other friends also have it saved in their phone. Is this something that TELUS will be rolling out, similar to Shaw's Shaw Direct service?

[Dark_Knight]

You hit the nail on the head @mloukopo I believe they soft-launched the service last year, but i've been noticing hotspots pop up everywhere. They will likely announce something soon. 

[nasty · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, it was an update pushed to peoples phones.

Don't know if you can delete it without rooting your phone.

You have to register to use it, so Telus can authenticate who is connecting.

Other Cellular providers are doing the same.

http://www.telus.com/get-help/wireless/telus-wifi-faq/support.do

TELUS Wi-Fi is a public wi-fi service offered at select locations such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. TELUS keeps you connected to wi-fi outside your home – on your smartphone, tablet or laptop when on the go.

Q & A

Q

Why do I need to provide an email address?

A

TELUS requires that you enter your email address to receive product updates and promotions, collect feedback and contact you about any breach or suspected breach of the TELUS Wi-Fi Service Terms.

Q

Will my personal information remain in Canada?

A

The information that you provide and that we collect is stored in Canada.

Q

Can TELUS limit my use of the TELUS Wi-Fi service?

A

You can only use TELUS Wi-Fi if you agree with the Service Terms and provide an e-mail address.

Q

Do I need special software or a password?

A

All you need is a Wi-Fi-enabled device.

Q

Do I have to pay to use TELUS Wi-Fi?

A

This is a free TELUS Service to TELUS and non-TELUS customers.

Q

How fast is TELUS Wi-Fi?

A

The speed of the TELUS Wi-Fi connection can depend on the number of users connected to the TELUS Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Q

I logged onto TELUS Wi-Fi once before. Why do I have to register again?

A

All users connecting through the TELUS Wi-Fi captive portal will remain authenticated and be able to seamlessly connect for a period of 30 days. You will need to register again after 30 days.

Q

If I go to another TELUS Wi-Fi location, do I have to enter my email address in every time?

A

No, once you register at the first instance, you will have access to all TELUS Wi-Fi locations, for a period of 30 days. You will need to register again after 30 days.

Q

How secure is TELUS Wi-Fi?

A

Any public Wi-Fi service may be subject to interception by unauthorized third parties. Please ensure that the configuration of your device is secure. To help secure your device, avoid tasks such as online banking. Don’t store sensitive data on devices used in public hotspots. Don’t save passwords when browsing. Access secure sites only (HTTPS or SSL).

[xl]

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nasty wrote:.

Q

If I go to another TELUS Wi-Fi location, do I have to enter my email address in every time?

A

No, once you register at the first instance, you will have access to all TELUS Wi-Fi locations, for a period of 30 days. You will need to register again after 30 days.

Q

How secure is TELUS Wi-Fi?

A

Any public Wi-Fi service may be subject to interception by unauthorized third parties. Please ensure that the configuration of your device is secure. To help secure your device, avoid tasks such as online banking. Don’t store sensitive data on devices used in public hotspots. Don’t save passwords when browsing. Access secure sites only (HTTPS or SSL).

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Besides BC Place Stadium..... where else can one find these TelusDirect Zones?

One way to secure yourself from public wifi eavesdropping is to use a VPN.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti8Kpev1Abc
• https://www.surfeasy.com/

[nasty]

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@xl wrote:

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Besides BC Place Stadium..... where else can one find these TelusDirect Zones?

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I don't know. Must be some type of soft roll out. There does not seem to be anything about it other than "what the heck is this #telusdirect, wifi name??!!" , that is apparently pushed out with OS updates.

Nothing on my phone as the OS is no longer updated. My Android phone also has a 'forget this wifi name' button on it.

Seems to be Telus stores have a wifi system, at least.

[Dark_Knight]

@nasty they have hotspots all over the lower mainland. I've encountered them in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New West, etc. It looks like they are pushing updates via SIM card network profile, not device OS.

It will be interesting to see if wireless carriers can find a way to supplement cellular data usage with these WiFi hotspots. Shaw's 'Shaw Go' WiFi was a bit of a miss in my opinion, but WiFi is a lot cheaper to deploy. Time will tell...

[NFtoBC]

@Dark_Knight There has been discussion for years about technology migrating to allow seamless switching between WiFi and cellular, including phone calls. While I don't believe we're there yet, it makes sense in crowded locations especially to move folks data stream to WiFi. If Telus automates the process by having the credentials present on the phone, then they move much network traffic to landline systems.

Telus has far less wireless bandwidth than their competitors, and prides itself on the efficiency with which it uses that bandwidth. Seem to me this would be one way to preserve it. By filling crowded public spaces with (secure?) WiFi, they meet that goal. Imagine the reduction in wireless load by seamlessly moving all your customers at a sports facility, SkyTrain platform or shopping mall to Wifi! 

Shaw's program is designed to garner subscribers to their internet service, whereas, according to teh link in the thread, Telus will provide connectivity to all, building good will to attract customers.

[Dark_Knight]

You definitely hit the nail on the head @NFtoBC TELUS will need to find a way of seemless switching between it's cellular and WiFi networks if it is going to be a success. It sounds like they are close to doing this, as most phones with an updated SIM profile will switch to #TELUSDirect WiFI automatically as long as wifi is enabled on the device. 

[Doug1Ames1]

I got a new new Telus phone, and even before it had ever had a SIM card inserted, the hidden network #TelusDirect was present in the list of known WiFi networks according to my WiFi Fixer app (didn't appear in the standard Android visible list). So it's actually pre-embedded in new Telus phones, doesn't have to be pushed to the phone as an update.

I've never actually seen it show up anywhere yet though, and Telus apparently aren't ready to publish a map, so it's still a long way behind Shaw Go.

[A_Kron]

Hi Folks,

Message received!

Our team is hard at work putting together a comprehensive coverage map that will take all the guess work out of finding your next hotspot. We expect it to be ready early in 2015. 

Stay tuned!

[xl]

Just found this site everyone... https://wififinder.telus.com/

Zoom in on the map to click on dots to support these TelusDirect retailers and businesses.