REGINA – SaskTel launched the first phase of its new “3G+” wireless network, the Crown Corporation said today.
The network will be available to customers in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Yorkton, Swift Current, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Buffalo Pound, White City, Melville, Dalmeny, Martensville, Warman, Hepburn, Waldheim and most of the connecting highways.
The company said last month the new net was on its way and when completed next year, it will be available to 98% of the Saskatchewan population.
SaskTel wireless customers will be able to access a greater selection of devices and experience faster network speeds (up to 21 megabits per second). It is also compatible with approximately 80% of all networks across the world and international roaming customers will be able to use their SaskTel 3G+ phone on 3G+ networks anywhere.
The device line-up that will be available at launch or shortly thereafter includes: Nokia 7230 and 6350; Novatel MC998D (USB data stick); BlackBerry Bold 9700, Pearl 9100, Curve 9300; Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant, Gravity 3 and Gravity Touch
The company also said it plans to support the existing CDMA digital network for the foreseeable future.
“The most important thing about this new network is where it leads us to in the future,” said Ron Styles, SaskTel’s new president and CEO, in his first official day on the job. “The 3G+ network puts a platform in place for the long term and ensures a smoother transition to fourth generation (4G) wireless technology known as long term evolution (LTE). We’re now on an evolutionary path that allows us to compete with any other company in the world.”
Styles came to SaskTel from Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, where he was president and CEO. Previous roles include deputy minister at Finance and at Highways and Transportation, president of SaskWater and SaskHousing, as well as associate deputy minister at Municipal Government and at Community Services.
Former SaskTel president and CEO Robert Watson is now the head of SaskPower, after some shuffles at the top of the prairie province’s crown corporations.
