SaskTel has announced that it will invest $439.8 million of capital across Saskatchewan in 2024/25 and more than $2.0 billion over the next five years.

These investments would go towards expanding communications networks and technologies in Saskatchewan and supporting their customers. 

“Ensuring the people of Saskatchewan have access to cutting-edge broadband and wireless technologies is a key part of our government’s plan to grow and strengthen our province,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “The investments being made by SaskTel will further enhance communications infrastructure in Saskatchewan, which will help drive economic development and create a more connected future for all residents of our province.”

“As Saskatchewan’s homegrown communications leader, we are committed to being the best at connecting the people of our province to what matters most to them,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “In 2024/25, over half of our total capital investments will be used to expand our 5G and fibre broadband networks to rural communities which will allow our customers to enjoy the same level of connectivity as those living in larger urban centres.”

Highlights of SaskTel’s 2024/25 investment program include:

5G deployment - $140.6 million

 In 2024/25, SaskTel plans to complete 5G upgrades on nearly 200 cell sites serving rural, resort, and First Nations communities as well as major highway corridors and other rural areas. In addition, SaskTel also plans to construct 5 new cell sites to enhance wireless coverage and capacity in some urban centres.

Fibre-to-the-x (FTTx) program - $131.3 million

In 2024/25, SaskTel will make significant investments in its Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and Fibre-to-the-Business (FTTB) initiatives, collectively known as FTTx. These investments will facilitate the expansion of SaskTel’s infiNET network to more communities included in its Rural Fibre Initiative. Additionally, SaskTel will also work to complete its fibre network builds in the nine major urban centres, with a focus on connecting multi-dwelling units and businesses to the infiNET network.

Technology - $74.7 million

In 2024/25, SaskTel will make investments to strengthen its core networks, enhance SaskTel selectWI-FI, maintain maxTV infrastructure, and improve its access networks to ensure that it continues to provide a high-quality experience to customers.

Customer services and operations - $93.2 million

In 2024/25, SaskTel plans to invest in a number of critical items that will support the growth of its customer base and elevate the overall customer experience. Some of these expenditures will support SaskTel’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) transformation and enhance self-serve options. SaskTel will also invest in Information Systems (IS) infrastructure to further support frontline areas of the company.