Cable / Telecom News

SaskTel’s 5G network rollout reaches halfway mark


Marking another major milestone on the deployment of its advanced 5G wireless network, SaskTel announced Friday it has successfully upgraded half of its provincial wireless network to 5G technology.

First launched in parts of Regina in late 2021, SaskTel’s 5G network currently consists of more than 520 cell sites and covers nearly 85 per cent of Saskatchewan residents, according to a SaskTel press release. A list of communities and areas that have been recently upgraded to SaskTel 5G service is available here.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our ambitious deployment of 5G and further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to being the best at connecting our customers to what matters most to them,” Charlene Gavel, SaskTel president and CEO, said in the press release. “While we are excited with our progress so far, we recognize this is just one of many milestones in our ongoing journey to build a brighter and more connected future for our customers and province as a whole.”

Delivering data speeds up to 1.2 Gbps, SaskTel’s 5G network “will continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of customers,” the press release says. The continued expansion of SaskTel’s 5G and fibre networks are a direct result of the provincial Crown corporation’s commitment to invest nearly $440 million of capital across Saskatchewan in 2024/25 and more than $2 billion over the next five years, the release says.

“Our government is thrilled with the progress SaskTel has made in bringing the amazing speed and power of its 5G network to the people of Saskatchewan,” said Dustin Duncan, provincial minister responsible for SaskTel. “For individuals and families, the rollout of SaskTel’s 5G network means enhanced connectivity and greater access to important services and opportunities. For businesses, 5G is a gateway to innovation, enabling more efficient operations, increased productivity, and new opportunities for growth.”

“The continued expansion of SaskTel’s 5G network is another pivotal step toward empowering more communities across the province, driving digital transformation, and paving the way for a future where connectivity fuels progress,” said Stephen Wiktorski, head of networks at Samsung Canada, technology supplier for SaskTel’s 5G network. “Samsung is proud to stand by SaskTel on this journey and we look forward to further supporting the growth of the network, prosperity, and innovation throughout Saskatchewan.”

Image provided by SaskTel