SaskTel to upgrade wireless networks in 30 rural communities

SaskTel is planning to upgrade its wireless service in 30 rural communities around the province, which should result in fewer slowdowns due to congestion.

The upgrades, which will see Samsung Radio Access Network equipment installed to improve 4G LTE data capacity, will come at a cost of about $10 million.

SaskTel said the upgrades will more than double the existing capacity, meaning rural customers can use their smartphones without worrying about slow speeds due to an overtaxed network. The work is expected to be complete by the end of March.

“This investment by SaskTel will ensure residents in these rural communities continue to enjoy high quality and reliable communication services,” Don Morgan, minister responsible for SaskTel, said in a statement.

The rural communities getting upgrades are Baildon, Big River First Nation, Blaine Lake, Bruno, Cando, Canwood, Choiceland, Crooked River, Cutknife, Gaslyn, Gravelbourg, Greenstreet, Hafford, Hodgeville, Ituna, Kipabiskau Regional Park, Lake Alma, Leader, Lestock, Montmarte, Nekaneet Cree Nation, Norquay, Oxbow, Quill Lake, Rabbit Lake, Shellbrook, Turtleford, Warmley, Willow Bunch, and Witchekan Lake.

“In addition to enhancing the wireless experience that our customers receive today, these upgrades will lay the foundation for the deployment of 5G in the future as we continue our work to bring the next generation in wireless technology to our customers across the province,” Doug Burnett, SaskTel’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

These upgrades come as part of SaskTel’s plan to invest more than $1.5 billion in the province over the next five years.