SaskTel’s 5G rollout will serve to strengthen
Saskatchewan’s economy
SaskTel
A SaskTel 5G tower overlooks downtown Saskatoon.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology, and like previous evolutions in wireless technologies, 5G will offer higher performance. improved efficiency, and new user experiences that will help to establish and connect new industries in Saskatchewan.
SaskTel has already begun rolling out its 5G network in Regina and Saskatoon and expects to invest over $500 million to convert its entire wireless network to 5G over the next five years. The network already delivers hyper-fast data speeds that will increase over time as the network matures allowing customers to connect faster than ever before.
“When we talk to customers, we tell them that technology is no longer a barrier to innovation,” said Mike Stefaniuk, SaskTel Director – Business Development (loT & Digital Transformation). “SaskTel’s commitment to 5G just further highlights that point, and although the new services and things it will support are not clearly defined, the nature of the network and its flexibility mean the possibilities are wide open.”
When the 4G network went online in the early 2010’s it triggered the smart phone revolution which was the catalyst that gave rise to app-based transactions that have become a cornerstone of the modern economy. 4G networks also led to the wide use of video streaming services and mass adoption of social media.
The introduction of 5G networks is expected to have a similar impact on the world, as this new powerful technology will enable a wider adoption for smart technologies that will be the foundation for next-generation innovations in nearly every major sector and industry. This includes advancements in Agri-tech, smart cities, virtual healthcare, Internet of Things (loT) solutions, self-driving cars, and virtual reality.
“Ultra-low latency means less delays, which will allow decisions to be made more quickly.” – Jeremy Gabel, SaskTel Director – Technology
According to a recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Canada (PwC), these innovations, along with many others, could help to increase Western Canadian GDP by $34 billion annually by 2035.
A 5G tower pictured in the sunset (Photo courtesy of Getty Images.)
As the new digital economy emerges, the number of loT connected devices in Canada is expected to more than double, climbing to approximately 270 million. This wider adoption of connected devices will be supported by 5G networks that, in addition to being hyper fast, will evolve into having an extremely large capacity for device connections while also delivering ultra-low latency.
“Ultra-low latency means less delays, which will allow decisions to be made more quickly,” said Jeremy Gabel, SaskTel Director – Technology. “For instance, that could mean a piece of manufacturing equipment is able to recognize an impending failure or safety situation and can act immediately to safely shut down the equipment and avoid damage or injury.”
At present, SaskTel’s 5G network covers parts of Saskatoon and Regina, including Regina’s downtown business district. Coverage will grow throughout the year and will blanket the majority of both cities by the end of 2022. From there, SaskTel will look to expand 5G coverage to the rest of the province as quickly as possible.
For more information about SaskTel’s 5G network please visit: https://www.sasktel.com/wps/wcm/connect/content/home/wireless/coverage-and-travel/network