SaskTel Enhances Wireless E911 Functionality

October 6, 2008

SaskTel today announced the availability of Phase 1 Wireless E911 functionality on its wireless network effective October 15, 2008.   With this increased functionality, when a 9-1-1 call is placed from a SaskTel wireless device the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operator will receive the originating cellular telephone number as well as the tower location from which the cellular 9-1-1 call originates.

“Providing the PSAP operators with the cellular telephone number and the closest tower location will greatly assist emergency personnel in handling 9-1-1 calls placed from cellular phones,” said Robert Watson, SaskTel President and CEO.  “We are extremely pleased to provide this added capability and functionality on SaskTel’s network and facilities.”

As a result of the increased functionality, the 9-1-1 Telecommunications fee charged to SaskTel cellular customers will increase from $0.11 per month to $0.21 per month as the Phase 1 Wireless E911 service is provided on a cost recovery basis.  The $0.21 charge is equivalent to the current rate that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved for SaskTel to charge its wireline customers.

Work will begin in 2009 on Phase 2 Wireless E911 functionality which will provide the PSAP with the geographic location of the originating cellular telephone number at the time of the 9-1-1 call.  Upon completion of Phase 2 Wireless E911, SaskTel cellular customers will have functionality that is approximately equivalent to that available to SaskTel landline customers.

For more information, please contact:

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