SaskTel delivers broadband speeds that meet or exceed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s benchmark to 85 per cent of the province, but that leaves 15 per cent without this access. However, a new Rural Broadband Partnership Program is expected to help with that.

SaskTel President and CEO, Doug Burnett, says the Crown Corporation will will work with internet providers to expand their coverage areas. To date, H and K Rural Networks, Living Sky Internet and Wood River Controls have signed on. Wood River Controls has used the program to bring broadband service to the Last Mountain Lake area, the Muscowpetung First Nation, and is currently working on a project near Lake Diefenbaker.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President, Ray Orb, notes that COVID-19 identified the importance of immediate investment into broadband and enhanced collaboration between service providers. He says, “SARM aims to achieve parity for all Saskatchewan residents, regardless of your address, when it comes to the availability of this essential service.