Communication services in Prince Albert could be improving soon with the upgrade of existing towers and two new ones possible. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

SaskTel 5G upgrades planned, P.A. east side may get new towers

May 2, 2023 | 1:52 PM

A major cellular network upgrade is coming for Prince Albert with SaskTel saying two new towers will likely be located somewhere in the northeast and southeast parts of the city.

City council heard from Planning Director Craig Guidinger on Monday that, along with upgrades to old towers, some new ones are needed.

“SaskTel is pursuing some major system upgrades in their cellular network and require upgrading some existing towers throughout our community and also establishing and installing some new ones,” he said at Monday’s executive committee meeting.

The exact locations of the new towers have not been determined, but approving them is a federal decision through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The city will be working with SaskTel to find a good location for the towers with potential sites already identified but nothing finalized.

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Guidinger said that any resident within a certain radius of a proposed tower will be mailed a notice by the Crown corporation asking for feedback.

Over the next few months, the planning department will help SaskTel identify areas with limited coverage but one of those sites identified in the past by residents is Crescent Acres in the very northeast part of the city.

“I’m very pleased that we’re moving forward. We’re the third largest city and we should have cell coverage and data all throughout our city. That’s why they’re upgrading,” said Mayor Greg Dionne.

Two SaskTel employees were at the meeting to answer questions and confirmed that two of the locations they have identified as needing towers are the northeast and southeast corners of the city.

They also said that many of the existing towers need to be taller to be able to broadcast past obstacles, such as power poles.

Some may also end up in parks.

“I know in some areas people aren’t going to like it, but at the end of the day for the overall good of the city we have to put them up because at the end of the day, it’s our number one way to communicate,” Dionne said.

Coun. Don Cody said he toured the potential locations last week and thought that SaskTel did a good job of choosing potential locations.

“I’m very, very much in favour of what they’re doing,” he said.

As far as gaps in service go, there will likely be some, but SaskTel tries to keep disruptions in the ability to place a voice call or dial 911 to less than half a day. Data disruptions can last a week.

According to the company, they will spend $160 million in 2023 and 2024 to deliver the 5G network which, as it expands, is expected to help build smart cities, virtual healthcare, education and smart agriculture.

More than 260 cell sites will be upgraded which will provide 5G in all nine major urban centres and along major highways, and in rural and resort areas.

All told, 10 new towers will be added.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com