2008 news releases

SASKTEL WIRELESS INTERNET NOW IN HAFFORD

January 10, 2008

Hafford and the surrounding area will now be able to enjoy the benefits of SaskTel’s Wireless Internet service.

“Internet access has become an essential communication tool for Saskatchewan people, in their lives and in their work,” Minister of Crown Corporations Ken Cheveldayoff said. “SaskTel’s ongoing efforts to expand high speed access throughout rural Saskatchewan demonstrates industry leadership and an ongoing commitment to deliver world-class internet service to the province of Saskatchewan.”

SaskTel Wireless Internet is up to 70 times faster than dial-up and includes unlimited time on-line.  Coverage for this service is within approximately a 30 km radius from the wireless Internet-provisioned tower located by Hafford, dependent upon terrain and topography. Local authorized SaskTel Wireless Internet dealers have full coverage information and service details.

CommunityNet II will provide high speed Internet access to a minimum of 71 communities in the province, and the surrounding areas.  All existing CommunityNet locations with a population over 100 and a school previously served by SCN’s satellite technology will benefit from this program.  In addition, the majority of communities with populations greater than 200 will also benefit from CommunityNet II.  Upon completion of this program more than 86 per cent of the Saskatchewan population will have access to this valuable educational, communications and entertainment service.

Since 2000, the implementation of CommunityNet has been an unqualified success.  The province-wide initiative has provided high speed Internet access to public institutions in 366 communities, linking more than 834 educational facilities, 310 health facilities, 86 First Nations schools, 256 government offices and 162 libraries.

About SaskTel
Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, offering competitive voice, data, dial-up and high speed internet, entertainment and multimedia services, security, web hosting, text and messaging services, and cellular and wireless data services over its digital networks.  The Corporation also provides security monitoring services through SecurTek, directory services through DirectWest, in-room communications services to the healthcare sector through Hospitality Network, telecommunications consulting service through SaskTel International and an out-of-province sales and service channel in Alberta and British Columbia. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 5,100 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.

For media inquiries only, please contact:

Andy Tate, SaskTel Media Relations
Phone: (306) 777-4548
E-mail: andy.tate@sasktel.sk.ca