By Alice McFarlane

SaskTel partnership to improve rural internet service

Sep 16, 2021 | 4:48 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Improved internet and cell phone service continues to be a priority for rural Saskatchewan.

The subject gets even more attention during an election campaign.

SaskTel announced a new initiative to partner with internet service providers to bring advanced broadband service to underserved farms, rural areas, and Indigenous communities.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) president Ray Orb said he welcomes any effort to beef up services to rural areas.

“It’s something SARM has been adamant about that the province provide better internet and cell phone services,” Orb said. “This is another example of how SaskTel is listening and providing that service. It’s a good thing for all Saskatchewan”

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It’s been a slow process and many areas don’t have good coverage, but that is improving, according to Orb.

“Quite a bit is there already. Using SaskTel’s existing structures just makes good economic sense. We’re hoping federal funding filters down into this as well because it’s something we’ve been pushing the federal parties for during the election campaign to provide if they’re elected,” he said.

The pandemic has brought even more attention to the rural connectivity. Orb said rural businesses, rural municipalities, farmers and ranchers all need to be able to contact other companies and individuals as well.

“The day-to-day business of farm operations really hinges now on good internet service,” Orb said.

In the case where students can’t attend school good internet service is even more important.

Through this partnership program, SaskTel will work with internet providers to expand their coverage areas with the specific aim to bring 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload unlimited broadband service, or better, to more Saskatchewan households.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW