SaskTel is continuing to work with communities in the region to bring the latest fibre optic delivery systems to rural Saskatchewan. In an April 15 release, the telecommunications company announced an additional $80 million investment for the expansion of its SaskTel infiNET service to an additional 61 communities.  

“When SaskTel completes this work, it will have invested more than $1 billion to bring its fibre optic broadband network to 225 communities and nearly 85% of all homes and businesses across Saskatchewan,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “The work being done at SaskTel, under the guidance of our government, will ensure that communities across the province have access to the communications infrastructure they need to grow and thrive for many years to come.” 

Area communities slated to receive connection as part of SaskTel’s Phase 7 announcement include Lake Lenore, Punnichy, Quill Lake, Rose Valley, St. Brieux, St. Louis, and Wakaw.  

The new service delivers speeds of up to a gigabit per second allowing fast, smooth and reliable data transfer for business or entertainment, from streaming to cloud services.  

“At SaskTel, we truly understand how important a fast and reliable internet connection has become in the modern world, especially for those who live and work in rural communities,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “As Saskatchewan’s homegrown communications leader, we’re pleased to increase our investment in the Rural Fibre Initiative so that we may bring the unparalleled speed and reliability of our infiNET network to more of our customers who live and work in rural communities across the province.” 

“SUMA is pleased to see this investment into 61 towns and villages through the fibre optic broadband network,” said SUMA President Randy Goulden. “Access to good communications infrastructure like fast and reliable internet is necessary for all Saskatchewan hometowns to move into the future, to connect nationally and globally. It’s why SUMA advocates for improved broadband services. These smaller centres will now have the same broadband access as larger centres. What a great step forward.” 

The multi-phase program is poised to deliver a $280 million investment in total to expand the network to more than 200 communities with the goal of seeing all fibre-ready by the end of 2027.