REGINA – SaskTel will pour $239 million into its Saskatchewan network this year for construction of a 3G wireless network, faster high speed Internet service, and improvements to its Max digital TV service, the company said Wednesday.
Highlights of the investment program include:
– $88 million to continue construction of a new $172 million Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) wireless network. The first phase of the new network build, which will provide coverage in the major Saskatchewan centers, is expected to be available in mid-2010 with full coverage in 2011;
– $48 million to continue its rural infrastructure program to deliver 100% high speed Internet coverage, and to build 55 new cellular towers to improve wireless coverage across the province within three years;
– $17 million to expand and improve its existing wireless network, including the addition of new digital cellular sites across the province, which is scheduled for completion in 2011;
– $31 million to expand rural broadband; and
– $7 million towards its Max Entertainment Services this year to expand the service to new communities and make ongoing enhancements.
“Since 1987 we’ve invested more than $3.5 billion in our network,” said president and CEO Robert Watson, in the announcement. “This year’s network investment will help to ensure that Saskatchewan’s best network is current and competitive well into the future.”
