1970s
SaskTel became a world leader in several areas during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
During the 1970s, rapidly evolving new technologies placed SaskTel in a continuous state of change. Throughout the decade, the growing complexity of network facilities and continuing diversification of many customer services reflected the changing role of the corporation. No longer was SaskTel “just a telephone company”. Rather, it was quickly becoming an organization with an ever-growing involvement in the transmission and distribution of not only voice signals, but video (TV) and data messages as well.
1974
By mid-September, all of the telephones in the province were dial operated. At the same time, all telephone subscribers in Saskatchewan, with the exception of a few isolated northern communities, now had access to the Direct Distance Dialing network.
1976
As a common carrier for telecommunications signals in Saskatchewan, began the construction of a CATV cable distribution system in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and the Battlefords. Within two years, cable was in place to carry the signal from the cable programmes to every subscriber in those four cities. In 1982, SaskTel purchased the CATV distribution system in Princer Albert.
SaskTel also began a seven-year program which allowed rural telephone companies – some 700 in all – to be voluntarily assimilated into the SaskTel system. The program was completed in 1992.
1977
This year saw the installation of the 500,000th telephone in the SaskTel system.
Saskatchewan was also the first province in Canada to have all toll lines buried when the last pole line, which ran between Melfort and Star City, was replaced.
1978
A new era in the handling of operator-assisted long distance calls was ushered in with the installation of a computerized call-handling system in Saskatoon, known as 0+. Fir the first time, customers were able to dial calls that had formerly required an operator. An operator need only come on the line to record pertinent information or complete collect calls and person-to-person calls allowing for faster more efficient service.
1979
SaskTel installed the first digital switching system in the province, in the northern community of La Ronge.