SaskTel celebrates 20th anniversary of wireless phone service

[MobileSyrup]

FYI - for those in Sask.

SaskTel customers are invited to join in the celebration as SaskTel marks 20 years since it began offering wireless phone service in Saskatchewan on August 8, 1989.


As part of the celebration, customers can enter a draw to win a $100 SaskTel gift certificate. Customers can enter the draw at any SaskTel Store before closing time on Saturday, August 8. Or they can visit www.sasktel.com to enter by email by 11:59 p.m. on August 8. The draws will be held on Monday, August 10. Free cake and coffee will also be served in each store on Friday, August 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.


“In just two decades, SaskTel has designed and built a state-of-the-art wireless network that connects Saskatchewan people to each other and the world, despite vast distances and challenging terrain,” said the Honourable Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “SaskTel employees and dealers across the province should be very proud of this remarkable achievement.”


“We’re grateful to our customers for choosing SaskTel wireless service over the past 20 years,” said Robert Watson, SaskTel President and CEO. “Our wireless network has come a long way and we’ll continue to expand and improve our network for even better service today and in the decades to come.”


SaskTel continues to make major investments in its wireless network, including two recently announced programs.


In 2009, SaskTel will invest $48.5 million to begin construction of a new $172 million Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) wireless network, which is the next evolution of GSM technology. UMTS/HSPA is a next generation wireless network which will enable SaskTel customers to enjoy the benefits of using UMTS/HSPA compatible cellular & data devices. The first phase of the new network build, which will provide coverage in the major Saskatchewan centers, is expected to be available in early 2010. Full coverage, similar to today’s digital cellular coverage, is anticipated to be available by the end of 2010.


As part of the Rural Infrastructure Program to deliver 100% high speed internet coverage and improved wireless coverage across the province within three years, SaskTel will provide digital cellular service to 55 more locations by the end of 2011. In 2009, SaskTel will invest $37.6 million to expand and improve its existing wireless network, including the addition of 12 out of the 55 new digital cellular sites across the province.
Over 96% of the Saskatchewan population now has access to SaskTel’s all-digital wireless network.