FAQs

• Construction
• Installation
• Timing
• Features and Costs

Construction

1. When will work crews use underground boring to place the fibre conduit instead of line layering?

Our work crews will use underground boring when there's no clear path from the pedestal (utility box) to the home. If there are large, immovable objects on the customer's property like a garage, pool, or concrete pad, then boring will be used.

Due to the size of the machine used for boring, an access point big enough for a small car to pass through is required. If the access point is too small for the boring machine to fit through, then one will be created. After the work's completed, your property will be restored to leave the yard as intact as possible.

2. How will you decide what method to use (line layering or boring) to get fibre to my home?

Before construction begins, we'll attempt to gather information on properties and the presence of underground sprinklers or other privately owned structures to help us decide the method used for placing the underground fibre conduit. In most cases, if there's a clear path from the pedestal (utility box) to the home, then line layering will be used to install the fibre conduit.

3. What is line layering?

Line layering is a quick installation method for placing underground cables using a machine approximately the same size as a snow blower. The machine vibrates a sharp, thin blade into the ground and buries the cable. The size of the cut is comparable to cutting the ground with a small knife, causing minimal disruption to the yard. In addition, a small hole near the utility pedestal and outside of the home will be dug for the fibre optic cable conduit.

After the line layering is complete, we'll make every effort to minimize any impact to your property and will make any necessary restorations as quickly as possible.

4. What is directional boring?

Directional boring is a steerable, trenchless method of installing underground conduit. The directional boring machine will tunnel underground creating space for the fibre conduit and will require both a large entry and exit point.

Due to the size of the machine used for boring, an access point big enough for a small car to pass through is required. In some instances, if the access point is too small for the boring machine to fit through, then one will be created. We'll make every effort to minimize any impact to your property and will make any necessary restorations as quickly as possible.

Watch this infiNET directional boring video:

5. What is conduit and what does it look like?

Conduit is a tube or pipe that's used to protect and house cables. When the underground fibre conduit is installed, the work crew will run fibre optic cabling through the conduit to the outside of the home.

Conduit will also allow for the quick and easy replacement of damaged cables. Going forward, if more connections are required, new lines will simply be pulled through the conduit without work crews having to use line layering or directional boring in a yard.

6. What is an easement?

An easement is a portion of a landowner's property where the legal rights of access and use of the property is granted through The Public Utilities Easements Act. The act gives legal access to the land for the installation, inspection, and repair of facilities or equipment required to provide service in the surrounding area.

7. If I have a utility box (pedestal) in my backyard, what does that mean?

The existing utility box (pedestal) will continue to be used to support our new Fibre Optic Network. Work crews will run the fibre conduit from the utility box to the surrounding homes. If boring is required, then access for the necessary equipment will be required. We'll make every effort to minimize any impact to your property and will make any necessary restorations as quickly as possible.

Installation

1. Will SaskTel require access to my home as part of the infiNET installation?

A representative working on our behalf will require access to your property to run the new fibre optic cabling. After we've run the cable, we'll need to install equipment in your home so you can be connected to infiNET. Please see installation and equipment for more information.

2. How will I know when infiNET is being installed in my neighbourhood?

Before infiNET is installed in your neighbourhood, you'll receive a letter from us to explain the work that's being done and what will be involved.

3. Who is doing the installation of infiNET?

The infiNET upgrade is utilizing both our employees and independent contractors who, through an open bidding process, are awarded contracts to perform the necessary work on our behalf.

4. My company would like to bid on the infiNET project. What do I need to do?

Companies who want to bid on the infiNET project should monitor the SaskTenders website. As requests for proposals and tenders are made, the information will be posted to the website, and appear in major Saskatchewan daily newspapers.

5. How will I know the route of buried cable prior to installation?

Since each yard is unique, a professional assessment is performed prior to starting any work. We've hired professional and experienced crews to assess each yard to determine the best method based on size, complexity, and obstacles in the yard. Each yard will be carefully examined to determine the route and method that will cause the least disruption. Conduit installation details can be shared with customers who are home during the yard assessment; however, no scheduled appointments will be made to review work with customers prior to the work beginning. Workmanship and restoration checks are performed before final sign off at each property is complete.

There are three different methods to install the buried conduit and cable that could be used during construction: mechanical trenching, manual trenching, and underground boring.

If you're in a home where the service lines (cable) are buried and there's no conduit, the cabling will be installed using mechanical trenchers, a method that offers quick installation with minimal disruption to the yard. The mechanical trench uses a machine approximately the same size as a snow blower. The machine vibrates a sharp, thin blade into the ground and buries the conduit. The size of the cut is comparable to cutting the ground with a small knife, causing minimal disruption to the yard. In addition, a small hole near the utility pedestal and outside of the home will be dug for the fibre optic cable conduit.

In some instances, underground boring may be used to go beneath obstructions such as concrete pads, patios, and permanent buildings.

With either method, we'll make every effort to minimize any disturbance to your property and will make any necessary restorations as quickly as possible. Your understanding is appreciated during this phase of the network upgrade.

Timing

1. When can I expect to receive infiNET?

There is currently no set schedule as to when infiNET will be installed in a specific neighbourhood. Installation is based on a number of factors including resources, cost and ease of deployment, age and quality of the current network, as well as the current broadband available there. When a neighbourhood is scheduled to receive infiNET, we'll send homeowners a letter to inform them of the construction details.

2. Why do new neighbourhoods get access to infiNET before existing locations?

We're focussing on new and developing neighbourhoods since the areas are already under construction and we need to install a network in these neighbourhoods. It's more efficient to install the new fibre optic network now so the area does not have to be upgraded at a later date.

Established areas will initially receive infiNET on a limited basis and will be identified just prior to work commencing. A number of factors will be considered when choosing which existing areas receive infiNET, including the cost and ease of deployment, age and quality of the current network, plus the current broadband available there.

3. Can I receive infiNET before my scheduled time?

Locations will be identified just prior to installation based on a number of factors including resources, cost and ease of deployment, age and quality of the current network, as well as current broadband available in the area.

Our customers may receive infiNET both during and after the network upgrades occur in their area. Check if it's available in your area.

Features and Costs

1. Will my service costs increase due to the installation to infiNET?

There is no cost to transfer to infiNET. Your service may increase in price and depends on the plan you choose. With infiNET, you'll contine to enjoy all the same great benefits you have today. Plus, you'll immediately get noticebly faster Internet and access to the best maxTV features.

2. What new services will I receive access to after infiNET installation?

Once you're connected to infiNET, you'll get increased bandwidth that gives you the fastest Internet speeds available in Saskatchewan. You'll also get more maxTV™ options, such as more set-top boxes and whole home PVR. Plus, infiNET will enable a whole range of new and enhanced future possibilities for your maxTV, High Speed Internet, and voice services.

Once infiNET is installed in your area, you'll receive a communication that explains the infiNET options available to you. As we develop new products, services, and features available on infiNET, we'll update sasktel.com.

3. Will my SaskTel Home Phone Service use the new infiNET network or the existing network?

When you receive infiNET, your SaskTel products and services will be moved to the new network, including Home Phone Service.