SaskTel

SaskTel is a telecommunications Crown corporation owned by the Government of Saskatchewan and headquartered in Regina. Operating under the SaskTel brand, it is the principal full-service communications provider in Saskatchewan, serving residential, business, government, and institutional customers. Its portfolio includes traditional landline telephone service, mobile communications, broadband internet delivered over copper, fibre-to-the-home, and fixed wireless infrastructure, IPTV television, business connectivity, and security and monitoring services. The company traces its origins to the provincial government's creation of a telephone department in 1908. Through the acquisition of independent operators, including the Saskatchewan operations of Bell Telephone Company of Canada in 1909, the provincial system became the dominant telecommunications network in Saskatchewan. In 1947, the government separated the telephone system's operational responsibilities from its broader administrative and regulatory functions by creating Saskatchewan Government Telephones, a Crown corporation. The organization subsequently developed into the modern SaskTel enterprise. SaskTel's business has expanded well beyond fixed voice services. It introduced Max Entertainment Services, an early Canadian IPTV offering, in 2002 and later developed a range of broadband television products. Its wireless business progressed from legacy cellular technology to HSPA+, LTE, and 5G. The company entered the HSPA+ era through network-sharing arrangements with national carriers and launched public HSPA+ service in 2010. LTE service followed in Regina and Saskatoon in 2013, while 5G deployment began in the early 2020s using Samsung network equipment. SaskTel has also invested heavily in fibre-to-the-home under the infiNET brand, extending higher-capacity broadband from urban centres into selected rural and Indigenous communities. Several subsidiaries and related operations broaden SaskTel's scope. SecurTek, established in 1999 and based in Yorkton, provides security and monitoring services. DirectWest, originally associated with directory publishing, expanded into out-of-home digital advertising. SaskTel International has participated in telecommunications infrastructure projects outside Canada, including work in Argentina, the Bahamas, and on communications and control systems for the Channel Tunnel between England and France. As a provincial Crown corporation, SaskTel operates in a politically sensitive environment. Its ownership has periodically prompted debate about privatization, particularly during Saskatchewan's proposed 2016 Bill 40, which would have permitted partial privatization of Crown corporations. The proposal was later slated for repeal. The company has also faced labour negotiations, regulatory disputes over wholesale access to its fibre network, and customer opposition to a proposed fee for legacy SaskTel.net email accounts. These issues reflect the tension between SaskTel's commercial investment requirements, its public ownership, and its role in maintaining communications coverage across a geographically large province. SaskTel markets itself as a Saskatchewan-focused provider with broad local coverage and community ties. Its sponsorship portfolio has included the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Mosaic Stadium, SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Its consumer marketing has included the animated characters Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer, the 2016 'Today is The Day' platform, and the online-safety campaign 'Be Kind Online,' formerly known as 'I Am Stronger.' The company remains active and continues to modernize its network, including a planned transition away from 3G toward 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE.

SaskTel began as a provincial telephone administration established under Saskatchewan's Telephone Acts on June 12, 1908. Initially known as the Department of Railways, Telegraphs and Telephones, it expanded rapidly by acquiring independent telephone operators. One important early transaction was the acquisition of Bell Telephone Company of Canada's Saskatchewan operations in 1909, which helped the provincial system become the dominant telephone provider in the province. A major institutional change occurred in 1947, when Premier Tommy Douglas announced the creation of Saskatchewan Government Telephones. Effective June 1 of that year, the new Crown corporation assumed ownership and operating responsibilities for the provincial telephone system. The structure was intended to distinguish the government's role as network operator from its administrative and regulatory responsibilities. Over subsequent decades, the company developed from a fixed-line telephone operator into a diversified communications business. SaskTel broadened its services during the transition from voice telephony to digital communications. In 1999 it created SecurTek, a Yorkton-based security and monitoring subsidiary. In 2002 it launched Max Entertainment Services, an IPTV-based television service that was among Canada's early telecommunications television offerings. The company later continued developing television products, including MaxTV Stream, a lighter IPTV package delivered through an application and Android TV hardware. Wireless modernization became a central part of the company's strategy in the 2000s and 2010s. In 2009 SaskTel entered network-sharing arrangements with Bell Canada and Telus and separately worked with Rogers on a national UMTS/HSPA+ cellular network. It tested a roughly CA$170 million HSPA+ network with employees in 2010 and launched public service in August of that year in major Saskatchewan communities. LTE service was introduced in Regina and Saskatoon in 2013, with planned expansion to other major areas. SaskTel later acquired six AWS-1 spectrum licences from Freedom Mobile in 2015 and shut down its CDMA network in 2017. Fixed broadband investment also accelerated. In 2012 SaskTel announced an urban fibre-to-the-home build branded as infiNET, beginning in parts of Regina and Saskatoon and intended to expand over several years. The company extended the fibre programme into rural Saskatchewan through a pilot in Rosthern announced in 2017. A 2018 capital plan allocated substantial funding to fibre deployment, wireless improvements, and customer service. SaskTel also launched smart-home and security products with SecurTek and Alarm.com, while DirectWest expanded from directory-related activities into digital billboard advertising. Public ownership became a prominent political issue in 2016 and 2017. Saskatchewan's proposed Bill 40 would have allowed partial privatization of a Crown corporation without an immediate public vote, raising concerns that SaskTel could be sold to outside telecommunications companies. An independent review examined the company's financial resilience and competitive position, including the effect of Bell Canada's acquisition of Manitoba's MTS. Premier Brad Wall later said any SaskTel sale would be subject to a referendum, and in August 2017 announced that Bill 40 would be repealed. Reports of meetings between the province, SaskTel, and representatives of BCE, Rogers, and Telus also generated privatization speculation, although SaskTel said those discussions concerned wholesale arrangements rather than a sale. Labour relations produced another significant episode in 2019. Unifor members at seven Saskatchewan Crown corporations, including SaskTel and two subsidiaries, began a strike on October 4. Customer-facing retail locations were closed and some new-service and transfer activities were unavailable, although the company said core customer service and online account functions continued. The dispute ended with a tentative agreement in October, a return to work on October 22, and ratification by SaskTel employees on November 15. SaskTel entered the 5G era cautiously. In 2020 it said it would not use Huawei equipment for 5G. In 2021 it announced a preliminary deployment in Regina and Saskatoon using Samsung as its sole network equipment supplier; Samsung subsequently announced plans for a regional office in Regina. By June 2024, at least half of SaskTel's existing network footprint had reportedly been upgraded to 5G, and further expansion in September focused on rural and Indigenous communities. The company has continued to face regulatory and customer-policy challenges. In 2023 it proposed a monthly fee for SaskTel.net email service but withdrew the plan after public and political criticism. In 2024 it appealed a CRTC ruling requiring wholesale access to its last-mile fibre network, arguing that the decision did not adequately account for SaskTel's distinctive market position and public mandates. In 2026 it announced a plan to retire 3G by October 2027, completing a longer-term migration toward 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE.

1. 20245G expansion reaches rural and Indigenous communities

   SaskTel reported that at least half of its network footprint had been upgraded to 5G and announced additional community expansions.

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2. 20215G deployment announced

   SaskTel announced an initial 5G deployment using Samsung network equipment.

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3. 2021Lüm Mobile introduced

   SaskTel announced Lüm Mobile, a self-service prepaid mobile virtual network operator positioned against national flanker brands.

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4. 2018MaxTV Stream launched

   The company introduced an app-based skinny-bundle IPTV service in fibre and selected rural markets.

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5. 2017CDMA network retired

   SaskTel shut down its CDMA wireless network and announced a rural fibre pilot in Rosthern.

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6. 2015AWS-1 spectrum acquired

   SaskTel acquired six AWS-1 wireless spectrum licences from Freedom Mobile.

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7. 2013LTE service introduced

   LTE service launched in Regina and Saskatoon, with broader provincial expansion planned.

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8. 2012infiNET fibre programme announced

   SaskTel announced a multi-year fibre-to-the-home rollout in Regina, Saskatoon, and other communities.

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9. 2010HSPA+ launched

   Public HSPA+ mobile service launched in major Saskatchewan communities after an employee trial.

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10. 2002Max IPTV introduced

    SaskTel introduced Max Entertainment Services, an IPTV-based television product.

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11. 1999SecurTek established

    SaskTel launched SecurTek as a security and monitoring subsidiary.

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12. 1947Saskatchewan Government Telephones created

    A Crown corporation assumed ownership and operational responsibility for Saskatchewan's telephone system on June 1.

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13. 1909Bell Saskatchewan operations acquired

    The provincial telephone system acquired Bell Telephone Company of Canada's Saskatchewan operations, strengthening its position across the province.

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14. 1908Provincial telephone department established

    Saskatchewan created the Department of Railways, Telegraphs and Telephones under the provincial Telephone Acts.

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15. Planned 3G retirement

    SaskTel plans to discontinue 3G service by October 2027 and focus on 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE.

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A Saskatchewan-rooted, full-service telecommunications provider combining provincial Crown ownership, broad local network coverage, community investment, and integrated consumer and business communications services.

• infiNETFibre broadband2012

  SaskTel's fibre-to-the-home broadband offering, launched as a major network modernization programme in 2012. The service initially focused on Regina and Saskatoon and later expanded to additional urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. It forms an important part of SaskTel's fixed-network strategy and supports higher-capacity internet and television services.

• MaxTVIPTV television2002

  SaskTel's IPTV television family, originating with Max Entertainment Services in 2002. It uses SaskTel broadband infrastructure to deliver television programming and related features to residential customers. The service helped SaskTel compete beyond traditional landline and internet markets.

• MaxTV StreamStreaming television2018

  A more flexible, app-based IPTV package introduced in 2018. MaxTV Stream used the Ericsson MediaFirst platform and Android TV devices, initially serving SaskTel fibre markets and selected rural communities. Its positioning was closer to a reduced-channel or 'skinny bundle' television product.

• SaskTel wirelessMobile telecommunications

  SaskTel's mobile business provides wireless voice and data services across Saskatchewan using successive generations of cellular technology. The network moved through CDMA, HSPA+, LTE, and 5G, supported by national network-sharing and roaming arrangements. The CDMA network was retired in 2017.

• Lüm MobilePrepaid mobile service2021

  A self-service prepaid mobile virtual network operator announced by SaskTel in 2021. Lüm Mobile was designed to compete with the lower-cost flanker brands operated by Canada's largest national carriers and to appeal to customers seeking simpler prepaid wireless plans.

• SecurTekSecurity and monitoring1999

  A SaskTel subsidiary founded in 1999 that provides security, alarm, and monitoring services. SecurTek has also participated in SaskTel's smart-home product development, including offerings associated with Alarm.com.

• SaskTel InternationalInternational telecommunications infrastructure

  SaskTel's international infrastructure operation, which has worked on telecommunications projects outside Canada. Reported projects include work in Argentina and the Bahamas and a leading implementation role for communications and control systems associated with the Channel Tunnel.

• 2019Be Kind Online

  Canada

  SaskTel relaunched its anti-cyberbullying awareness initiative under the Be Kind Online name. The programme promoted more respectful and responsible online behaviour.

  Outcome. The campaign replaced or reworked the earlier I Am Stronger online-safety initiative.

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• 2016Today is The Day

  Saskatchewan

  SaskTel introduced a new brand campaign focused on the idea of taking action and making meaningful use of the present.

  Outcome. It replaced the company's previous character-focused advertising approach as the principal reported brand platform.

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• 2007Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer

  Saskatchewan

  SaskTel used recurring 3D-animated characters, including Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer the goldfish, as prominent elements of its consumer advertising for telecommunications services.

  Outcome. The character-led platform remained part of SaskTel's marketing through 2016.

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• 2026Plan 3G network retirementGeneration change

  Legacy 3G infrastructure is being superseded by 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE technologies.

  What changed. SaskTel announced that it would phase out 3G service by October 2027.

  Aftermath. Customers will need compatible 4G or 5G devices, with Voice over LTE becoming the expected voice technology.

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• 2024Challenge mandatory wholesale fibre accessOther

  The CRTC required wholesale access to last-mile fibre networks, and SaskTel argued that applying the ruling to its network did not properly reflect its market position or provincial public-service responsibilities.

  What changed. SaskTel filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal.

  Aftermath. The legal challenge placed SaskTel's fibre investment model and regulatory treatment at issue; the final outcome is not established by the supplied material.

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• 2023Proposed SaskTel.net email chargePrice change

  SaskTel sought to establish a recurring charge for legacy email accounts as communications usage shifted toward independent email platforms.

  What changed. The company announced a CA$1.95 monthly fee for SaskTel.net email services, scheduled to begin in April.

  Aftermath. Following customer and political criticism, the responsible minister instructed SaskTel to reverse the plan.

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• 2021Deploy initial 5G serviceProduct launch

  SaskTel needed to move its wireless network from LTE toward 5G capacity and coverage.

  What changed. The company announced an initial 5G deployment in Regina and Saskatoon, using Samsung network equipment.

  Aftermath. Coverage expanded over subsequent years, including rural and Indigenous communities.

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• 2020Exclude Huawei equipment from 5GStrategy

  SaskTel was planning its next-generation mobile network while its national roaming partners were selecting other network suppliers.

  What changed. The company announced that Huawei equipment would not be used for its 5G services.

  Aftermath. SaskTel subsequently announced Samsung as the sole supplier for its initial 5G deployment.

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• 2012Build a provincial fibre-to-the-home networkStrategy

  Growing demand for higher-speed internet and IP-based services required SaskTel to modernize its fixed network beyond copper DSL.

  What changed. SaskTel announced the infiNET fibre-to-the-home programme, beginning in parts of Regina and Saskatoon and planned for wider deployment.

  Aftermath. The fibre programme later expanded through rural pilots and continued network investment.

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• 2026SaskTel announces 3G retirement plan

  SaskTel announced plans to retire its 3G network by October 2027 and support 4G and 5G devices with Voice over LTE thereafter.

  Product generation
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• 2024SaskTel challenges wholesale fibre-access ruling

  SaskTel filed a Federal Court of Appeal challenge against a CRTC decision requiring wholesale access to portions of its last-mile fibre network.

  LawsuitRegulation
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• 2023SaskTel withdraws proposed SaskTel.net email fee

  After announcing a monthly charge for SaskTel.net email accounts, SaskTel reversed the plan following criticism from customers and government officials.

  Pricing
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• 2021SaskTel selects Samsung for its initial 5G network

  SaskTel announced a preliminary 5G deployment in Regina and Saskatoon and identified Samsung Electronics as the sole equipment supplier for the initial network.

  Product launch
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• 2020SaskTel decides not to use Huawei equipment for 5G

  The company said it would not use Huawei equipment for 5G, citing consistency with roaming partners Bell and Telus and their choice of Ericsson equipment.

  Regulation
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• 2019SaskTel and Unifor reach agreement after Crown corporation strike

  Approximately 5,000 workers across seven Saskatchewan Crown corporations, including SaskTel and subsidiaries, struck in October. A tentative agreement was reached later that month and ratified in November.

  Other
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1. SaskTel