2006 news releases

SaskTel High Speed Internet Now Available in Ministikwan

February 2 , 2006

SaskTel High Speed Internet service is now available in Ministikwan. This expansion is part of the $11.6 million Northern Broadband Network (NBN) initiative that will install the infrastructure and deliver high speed internet service to a total of 35 communities.

"Saskatchewan will continue to lead the way in Canada in deploying high speed Internet service to rural areas, including these First Nations and Métis communities," Minister Responsible for SaskTel and Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Maynard Sonntag said. "Residents and business owners in communities across Saskatchewan will have access to this valuable educational, communications and entertainment service sooner than many larger urban centres in Canada ."

SaskTel High Speed Internet is up to 50 times faster than dial-up, allows a simultaneous phone conversation on the same phone line, and includes unlimited time on-line. Most residential and business customers in these communities can take advantage of a special limited time offer. Sign up for the SaskTel High Speed Basic before February 1, 2006 and pay half price for the first six months. Additional savings are available to customers who combine internet service with a long distance or cellular bundle.

The $11.6 million initiative is funded by Industry Canada 's Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program ($3 million), the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement ($2 Million), and Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement ($524,069). In addition, SaskTel will invest approximately $6.1 million in capital and operating costs.

Representatives from Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), and New North formed the non-profit Northern Broadband Network (NBN) to develop and implement the Internet access project. Keewatin Career Development Corporation will provide technical advice to the NBN.

About SaskTel
SaskTel employs over 3,800 people in over 50 Saskatchewan communities and is the leading full service communications company in Saskatchewan . It offers complete wireline, wireless, internet, entertainment and e-business solutions over a state-of-the-art, digital network. SaskTel maintains investments in companies that provide a variety of products and services, and partners with more than 140 Saskatchewan businesses. In 2004, SaskTel donated $2.6 million to more than 1,600 not-for-profit organizations, and spent more than $271 million on materials and services from over 3,900 Saskatchewan suppliers. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.

Contact

Michelle Englot , SaskTel Corporate Affairs
Phone: (306) 777-4476
E-mail: michelle.englot@sasktel.sk.ca