SaskTel Enhances Directory Assistance

Regina, October 5, 2010 – SaskTel today announced the launch of a new operator services platform that will provide automation of the front-end of directory assistance (411) and will also enable directory assistance information to be sent via text or SMS message to a cellular phone.

“The new platform will provide improved accuracy in call completion and will eliminate the need for customers to wait for an operator,” said Ron Styles, SaskTel President and CEO. “We are simply automating the front-end of our directory assistance service because our old operator services platform was obsolete. Customers will still reach a SaskTel operator, employed here in Saskatchewan, if any error occurs or the system does not recognize a customer’s voice.”

The new operator service platform will be launched in the Regina exchange on October 5th, 2010 and upon a successful launch will be rolled out to all remaining exchanges in the province on October 7th, 2010. Customers will initially reach an automated system that will attempt to process their request. If the automated system is unable to process the request, customers will then be transferred to a SaskTel operator.

“We believe customers will see an improved level of service and also have the benefit of receiving SMS texts with directory listings,” added Styles.

About SaskTel

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, with $1.15 billion in annual revenue and more than 1.4 million customer connections including more than 550,000 wireless accesses, 543,000 wireline network accesses, 225,000 Internet accesses and 77,000 Max™ (TV) subscribers. SaskTel offers a wide range of communications products and services including competitive voice, data, Internet, entertainment, national security, messaging, cellular, wireless data and directory services. In addition, SaskTel International offers software solutions and project consulting in countries around the world. In 2009, SaskTel contributed more than $651 million to the Saskatchewan economy through dollars spent with Saskatchewan-based suppliers and sponsorships to non-profit organizations. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 4,800 employees.

For media inquiries only, please contact:

Michelle Englot, SaskTel Media Relations
Phone: (306) 777-4476
E-mail: michelle.englot@sasktel.com