Saskatchewan’s largest fibre optic broadband network is continuing to grow as SaskTel launches infiNET service in twelve more rural communities

August 1, 2024

Photo of the Town of Gull Lake, provided courtesy of Gull Lake.

Today, SaskTel announced that it has begun launching SaskTel infiNET™ service in the towns of Bengough, Buffalo Narrows, Caronport, Dalmeny, Gull Lake, Kipling, Outlook, Oxbow, Pense, Preeceville, Rocanville, and Willow Bunch. Delivering ultra-fast internet speeds, SaskTel’s infiNET service will revolutionize the way residents in these communities work, learn, and connect.

“The investments being made by SaskTel to expand their fibre optic network will enhance internet connectivity for towns across the province and increase opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education and agriculture,” said Doug Steele, MLA for Cypress Hills. “Through our government’s growth plan, we are building a strong economy and bright future for everyone in Saskatchewan.”

“Bringing our infiNET network to these communities isn’t just about connecting homes; it’s about connecting lives and empowering our customers with fast and reliable Internet service,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “This latest expansion is another positive step forward in our ongoing vision to be the best at connecting our customers to the world.”

SaskTel infiNET service delivers internet speeds of up to a Gigabit per second (Gbps), allowing subscribers to browse, stream, and share content faster than ever before. Additionally, SaskTel will be able to increase the capacity of the infiNET network to meet the evolving needs of customers for decades to come.

“With faster and more reliable Internet service, our young people will be better equipped to expand their education, explore their creativity, and connect with opportunities both locally and afar,” said Lance Allen, Mayor of Gull Lake. “I'm thrilled with the launch of SaskTel's infiNET network in our community and look forward to seeing how this new technology will help foster a more vibrant and successful future for all residents of our community.”

The expansion of infiNET service to Buffalo Narrows, Caronport, Dalmeny, Gull Lake, Kipling, Outlook, Oxbow, Pense, Preeceville, and Rocanville is part of SaskTel’s Rural Fibre Initiative. The Rural Fibre Initiative is a multi-phase program that will see SaskTel invest $280 million to bring infiNET service to nearly 200 rural communities. Once the announced phases of the Rural Fibre Initiative are complete, SaskTel’s infiNET network will reach nearly 85% of all Saskatchewan households and businesses.

“The launch of SaskTel’s infiNET network serves as a transformative opportunity for Bengough, marking a new era of connectivity,” said Dennis Mazenc, Mayor of Bengough. “With infiNET, we’re not just speeding up communication, we’re enhancing quality of life with an exceptional working tool, allowing us to do things like improve our new water treatment plant operations, and helping our long-term care home to connect with health specialists from larger centres. This is more than an upgrade—it’s a leap forward for our community’s growth and prosperity.”

The Rural Fibre Initiative is just one of the avenues through which SaskTel is expanding its infiNET network. SaskTel’s deployment of infiNET service to Bengough and Willow Bunch was made possible through a partnership with South Saskatchewan Ready (SSR).

Through the partnership, SSR invested nearly $2 million of funding they secured from Prairies Economic Development Canada (Prairies Can) to bring infiNET service to the communities of Bengough, Coronach, Rockglen, and Willow Bunch.

SaskTel’s infiNET network is available in more than 60 communities making it Saskatchewan’s largest fibre optic broadband network. 

To learn more about infiNET service, please visit www.sasktel.com/infinet.

About SaskTel

SaskTel is the leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) provider in Saskatchewan, with over $1.3 billion in annual revenue and approximately 1.4 million customer connections including nearly 670,000 wireless accesses, 242,000 wireline network accesses, 292,000 internet and data accesses, 111,000 maxTV service subscribers, and 72,000 security monitoring customers. SaskTel and its wholly owned subsidiaries offer a wide range of ICT products and services including competitive voice, data and Internet services, wireless data services, maxTV services, data centre services, cloud-based services, security monitoring services, advertising services, and international software and consulting services. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 3,300 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.