SaskTel
A Saskatchewan-owned Canadian telecommunications provider offering wireless, broadband, television, landline, security, and related communications services.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
SaskTel is a telecommunications Crown corporation owned by the Government of Saskatchewan and headquartered in Regina. Operating under the SaskTel brand, it is the principal full-service communications provider in Saskatchewan, serving residential, business, government, and institutional customers. Its portfolio includes traditional landline telephone service, mobile communications, broadband internet delivered over copper, fibre-to-the-home, and fixed wireless infrastructure, IPTV television, business connectivity, and security and monitoring services. The company traces its origins to the provincial government's creation of a telephone department in 1908. Through the acquisition of independent operators, including the Saskatchewan operations of Bell Telephone Company of Canada in 1909, the provincial system became the dominant telecommunications network in Saskatchewan. In 1947, the government separated the telephone system's operational responsibilities from its broader administrative and regulatory functions by creating Saskatchewan Government Telephones, a Crown corporation. The organization subsequently developed into the modern SaskTel enterprise. SaskTel's business has expanded well beyond fixed voice services. It introduced Max Entertainment Services, an early Canadian IPTV offering, in 2002 and later developed a range of broadband television products. Its wireless business progressed from legacy cellular technology to HSPA+, LTE, and 5G. The company entered the HSPA+ era through network-sharing arrangements with national carriers and launched public HSPA+ service in 2010. LTE service followed in Regina and Saskatoon in 2013, while 5G deployment began in the early 2020s using Samsung network equipment. SaskTel has also invested heavily in fibre-to-the-home under the infiNET brand, extending higher-capacity broadband from urban centres into selected rural and Indigenous communities. Several subsidiaries and related operations broaden SaskTel's scope. SecurTek, established in 1999 and based in Yorkton, provides security and monitoring services. DirectWest, originally associated with directory publishing, expanded into out-of-home digital advertising. SaskTel International has participated in telecommunications infrastructure projects outside Canada, including work in Argentina, the Bahamas, and on communications and control systems for the Channel Tunnel between England and France. As a provincial Crown corporation, SaskTel operates in a politically sensitive environment. Its ownership has periodically prompted debate about privatization, particularly during Saskatchewan's proposed 2016 Bill 40, which would have permitted partial privatization of Crown corporations. The proposal was later slated for repeal. The company has also faced labour negotiations, regulatory disputes over wholesale access to its fibre network, and customer opposition to a proposed fee for legacy SaskTel.net email accounts. These issues reflect the tension between SaskTel's commercial investment requirements, its public ownership, and its role in maintaining communications coverage across a geographically large province. SaskTel markets itself as a Saskatchewan-focused provider with broad local coverage and community ties. Its sponsorship portfolio has included the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Mosaic Stadium, SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Its consumer marketing has included the animated characters Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer, the 2016 'Today is The Day' platform, and the online-safety campaign 'Be Kind Online,' formerly known as 'I Am Stronger.' The company remains active and continues to modernize its network, including a planned transition away from 3G toward 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE.
History
SaskTel began as a provincial telephone administration established under Saskatchewan's Telephone Acts on June 12, 1908. Initially known as the Department of Railways, Telegraphs and Telephones, it expanded rapidly by acquiring independent telephone operators. One important early transaction was the acquisition of Bell Telephone Company of Canada's Saskatchewan operations in 1909, which helped the provincial system become the dominant telephone provider in the province. A major institutional change occurred in 1947, when Premier Tommy Douglas announced the creation of Saskatchewan Government Telephones. Effective June 1 of that year, the new Crown corporation assumed ownership and operating responsibilities for the provincial telephone system. The structure was intended to distinguish the government's role as network operator from its administrative and regulatory responsibilities. Over subsequent decades, the company developed from a fixed-line telephone operator into a diversified communications business. SaskTel broadened its services during the transition from voice telephony to digital communications. In 1999 it created SecurTek, a Yorkton-based security and monitoring subsidiary. In 2002 it launched Max Entertainment Services, an IPTV-based television service that was among Canada's early telecommunications television offerings. The company later continued developing television products, including MaxTV Stream, a lighter IPTV package delivered through an application and Android TV hardware. Wireless modernization became a central part of the company's strategy in the 2000s and 2010s. In 2009 SaskTel entered network-sharing arrangements with Bell Canada and Telus and separately worked with Rogers on a national UMTS/HSPA+ cellular network. It tested a roughly CA$170 million HSPA+ network with employees in 2010 and launched public service in August of that year in major Saskatchewan communities. LTE service was introduced in Regina and Saskatoon in 2013, with planned expansion to other major areas. SaskTel later acquired six AWS-1 spectrum licences from Freedom Mobile in 2015 and shut down its CDMA network in 2017. Fixed broadband investment also accelerated. In 2012 SaskTel announced an urban fibre-to-the-home build branded as infiNET, beginning in parts of Regina and Saskatoon and intended to expand over several years. The company extended the fibre programme into rural Saskatchewan through a pilot in Rosthern announced in 2017. A 2018 capital plan allocated substantial funding to fibre deployment, wireless improvements, and customer service. SaskTel also launched smart-home and security products with SecurTek and Alarm.com, while DirectWest expanded from directory-related activities into digital billboard advertising. Public ownership became a prominent political issue in 2016 and 2017. Saskatchewan's proposed Bill 40 would have allowed partial privatization of a Crown corporation without an immediate public vote, raising concerns that SaskTel could be sold to outside telecommunications companies. An independent review examined the company's financial resilience and competitive position, including the effect of Bell Canada's acquisition of Manitoba's MTS. Premier Brad Wall later said any SaskTel sale would be subject to a referendum, and in August 2017 announced that Bill 40 would be repealed. Reports of meetings between the province, SaskTel, and representatives of BCE, Rogers, and Telus also generated privatization speculation, although SaskTel said those discussions concerned wholesale arrangements rather than a sale. Labour relations produced another significant episode in 2019. Unifor members at seven Saskatchewan Crown corporations, including SaskTel and two subsidiaries, began a strike on October 4. Customer-facing retail locations were closed and some new-service and transfer activities were unavailable, although the company said core customer service and online account functions continued. The dispute ended with a tentative agreement in October, a return to work on October 22, and ratification by SaskTel employees on November 15. SaskTel entered the 5G era cautiously. In 2020 it said it would not use Huawei equipment for 5G. In 2021 it announced a preliminary deployment in Regina and Saskatoon using Samsung as its sole network equipment supplier; Samsung subsequently announced plans for a regional office in Regina. By June 2024, at least half of SaskTel's existing network footprint had reportedly been upgraded to 5G, and further expansion in September focused on rural and Indigenous communities. The company has continued to face regulatory and customer-policy challenges. In 2023 it proposed a monthly fee for SaskTel.net email service but withdrew the plan after public and political criticism. In 2024 it appealed a CRTC ruling requiring wholesale access to its last-mile fibre network, arguing that the decision did not adequately account for SaskTel's distinctive market position and public mandates. In 2026 it announced a plan to retire 3G by October 2027, completing a longer-term migration toward 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE.
- 2024
5G expansion reaches rural and Indigenous communities
[1]SaskTel reported that at least half of its network footprint had been upgraded to 5G and announced additional community expansions.
- 2021
5G deployment announced
[1]SaskTel announced an initial 5G deployment using Samsung network equipment.
- 2021
Lüm Mobile introduced
[1]SaskTel announced Lüm Mobile, a self-service prepaid mobile virtual network operator positioned against national flanker brands.
- 2018
MaxTV Stream launched
[1]The company introduced an app-based skinny-bundle IPTV service in fibre and selected rural markets.
- 2017
CDMA network retired
[1]SaskTel shut down its CDMA wireless network and announced a rural fibre pilot in Rosthern.
- 2015
AWS-1 spectrum acquired
[1]SaskTel acquired six AWS-1 wireless spectrum licences from Freedom Mobile.
- 2013
LTE service introduced
[1]LTE service launched in Regina and Saskatoon, with broader provincial expansion planned.
- 2012
infiNET fibre programme announced
[1]SaskTel announced a multi-year fibre-to-the-home rollout in Regina, Saskatoon, and other communities.
- 2010
HSPA+ launched
[1]Public HSPA+ mobile service launched in major Saskatchewan communities after an employee trial.
- 2002
Max IPTV introduced
[1]SaskTel introduced Max Entertainment Services, an IPTV-based television product.
Products and positioning
A Saskatchewan-rooted, full-service telecommunications provider combining provincial Crown ownership, broad local network coverage, community investment, and integrated consumer and business communications services.
Fibre broadband · 2012
infiNET
SaskTel's fibre-to-the-home broadband offering, launched as a major network modernization programme in 2012. The service initially focused on Regina and Saskatoon and later expanded to additional urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. It forms an important part of SaskTel's fixed-network strategy and supports higher-capacity internet and television services.
IPTV television · 2002
MaxTV
SaskTel's IPTV television family, originating with Max Entertainment Services in 2002. It uses SaskTel broadband infrastructure to deliver television programming and related features to residential customers. The service helped SaskTel compete beyond traditional landline and internet markets.
Streaming television · 2018
MaxTV Stream
A more flexible, app-based IPTV package introduced in 2018. MaxTV Stream used the Ericsson MediaFirst platform and Android TV devices, initially serving SaskTel fibre markets and selected rural communities. Its positioning was closer to a reduced-channel or 'skinny bundle' television product.
Mobile telecommunications
SaskTel wireless
SaskTel's mobile business provides wireless voice and data services across Saskatchewan using successive generations of cellular technology. The network moved through CDMA, HSPA+, LTE, and 5G, supported by national network-sharing and roaming arrangements. The CDMA network was retired in 2017.
Prepaid mobile service · 2021
Lüm Mobile
A self-service prepaid mobile virtual network operator announced by SaskTel in 2021. Lüm Mobile was designed to compete with the lower-cost flanker brands operated by Canada's largest national carriers and to appeal to customers seeking simpler prepaid wireless plans.
Security and monitoring · 1999
SecurTek
A SaskTel subsidiary founded in 1999 that provides security, alarm, and monitoring services. SecurTek has also participated in SaskTel's smart-home product development, including offerings associated with Alarm.com.
International telecommunications infrastructure
SaskTel International
SaskTel's international infrastructure operation, which has worked on telecommunications projects outside Canada. Reported projects include work in Argentina and the Bahamas and a leading implementation role for communications and control systems associated with the Channel Tunnel.
Marketing campaigns
- 2019Be Kind Online
Canada
SaskTel relaunched its anti-cyberbullying awareness initiative under the Be Kind Online name. The programme promoted more respectful and responsible online behaviour.
Outcome. The campaign replaced or reworked the earlier I Am Stronger online-safety initiative.
- 2016Today is The Day
Saskatchewan
SaskTel introduced a new brand campaign focused on the idea of taking action and making meaningful use of the present.
Outcome. It replaced the company's previous character-focused advertising approach as the principal reported brand platform.
- 2007Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer
Saskatchewan
SaskTel used recurring 3D-animated characters, including Little Red, the Wolf, and Gainer the goldfish, as prominent elements of its consumer advertising for telecommunications services.
Outcome. The character-led platform remained part of SaskTel's marketing through 2016.
Brand decisions
2026
Plan 3G network retirementGeneration changeBackground
Legacy 3G infrastructure is being superseded by 4G, 5G, and Voice over LTE technologies.
Action taken
SaskTel announced that it would phase out 3G service by October 2027.
Aftermath
Customers will need compatible 4G or 5G devices, with Voice over LTE becoming the expected voice technology.
2024
Challenge mandatory wholesale fibre accessOtherBackground
The CRTC required wholesale access to last-mile fibre networks, and SaskTel argued that applying the ruling to its network did not properly reflect its market position or provincial public-service responsibilities.
Action taken
SaskTel filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal.
Aftermath
The legal challenge placed SaskTel's fibre investment model and regulatory treatment at issue; the final outcome is not established by the supplied material.
2023
Proposed SaskTel.net email chargePrice changeBackground
SaskTel sought to establish a recurring charge for legacy email accounts as communications usage shifted toward independent email platforms.
Action taken
The company announced a CA$1.95 monthly fee for SaskTel.net email services, scheduled to begin in April.
Aftermath
Following customer and political criticism, the responsible minister instructed SaskTel to reverse the plan.
2021
Deploy initial 5G serviceProduct launchBackground
SaskTel needed to move its wireless network from LTE toward 5G capacity and coverage.
Action taken
The company announced an initial 5G deployment in Regina and Saskatoon, using Samsung network equipment.
Aftermath
Coverage expanded over subsequent years, including rural and Indigenous communities.
2020
Exclude Huawei equipment from 5GStrategyBackground
SaskTel was planning its next-generation mobile network while its national roaming partners were selecting other network suppliers.
Action taken
The company announced that Huawei equipment would not be used for its 5G services.
Aftermath
SaskTel subsequently announced Samsung as the sole supplier for its initial 5G deployment.
2012
Build a provincial fibre-to-the-home networkStrategyBackground
Growing demand for higher-speed internet and IP-based services required SaskTel to modernize its fixed network beyond copper DSL.
Action taken
SaskTel announced the infiNET fibre-to-the-home programme, beginning in parts of Regina and Saskatoon and planned for wider deployment.
Aftermath
The fibre programme later expanded through rural pilots and continued network investment.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
SaskTel launches Lüm Mobile[2]
SaskTel launched Lüm Mobile, a low-cost, fully digital mobile brand that lets customers manage service online and buy memberships for data, calls, and texts.
SaskTel activates 15 rural cell towers[3]
Reported:
SaskTel announced that it had activated 15 additional macro cell towers, bringing 4G LTE wireless service to previously underserved rural parts of Saskatchewan.
SaskTel upgrades infiNET internet speeds[3]
Reported:
SaskTel upgraded speeds across most infiNET plans by the end of February. The infiNET 150 plan was increased to 150 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, while the infiNET 300 upload speed increased to 150 Mbps; lower-tier plans also received upgrades at the same price points.
- Unconfirmed
SaskTel launches Rural Fibre Initiative[4]
Reported:
SaskTel launched a $50 million Rural Fibre Initiative intended to bring service to 30,000 households over four years and extend infiNET to more than 20 rural Saskatchewan communities.
- Unconfirmed
SaskTel partners with Melfort on smart city project[5]
Reported:
SaskTel partnered with the City of Melfort on a smart city project. The initiative is intended to help both parties evaluate new technologies, tools and software products.
- Unconfirmed
SaskTel partners with eleven-x on LoRaWAN deployment[6]
Reported:
SaskTel partnered with IoT company eleven-x, which will help deploy third-party sensors, secure cloud-based network services, and remotely managed infrastructure for the network.
SaskTel announces Speed Restore add-on service[7]
Reported:
SaskTel announced Speed Restore, an add-on service that lets eligible unlimited wireless data subscribers increase the amount of data they can use at full speed.
Sources8 sources
- 1SaskTelen.wikipedia.org
- 2SaskTel推出Lüm Mobilewestcentralonline.com
- 3SaskTel启用15座农村移动通信塔sasktoday.ca
- 4SaskTel推出农村光纤计划mobilesyrup.com
- 5SaskTel与梅尔福特合作开展智慧城市项目mobilesyrup.com
- 6SaskTel 与 eleven-x 合作部署 LoRaWANmobilesyrup.com
- 7SaskTel宣布推出Speed Restore附加服务mobilesyrup.com
- 8Melfort partners with SaskTel for ‘Smart City’ initiativesasktoday.ca
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