SaskTel is expanding its 5G network into the Battlefords area this year. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff).

By Angela Brown

Faster Internet speeds

SaskTel to roll out 5G network in Battlefords area

Jan 28, 2023 | 9:45 AM

SaskTel has announced it plans to start expanding its 5G wireless network into the Battlefords area.

While the technology is now available in parts of the town of Battleford, SaskTel said in a release most of the town and the city of North Battleford will have access to the 5G network starting this summer.

The 5G network provides faster speeds and allows more people to connect on their devices. SaskTel said the improved technology will also enhance streaming, gaming, and other uses.

“The rapid expansion of our 5G network across Saskatchewan is part of our larger commitment to invest $1.5 billion of capital across the province,” SaskTel president and CEO Doug Burnett stated.

With 5G-supported devices, Internet speeds could reach as high as 1.2 Gigabits per second with the new technology. To use the 5G network people need to be within a 5G coverage area.

Riderville

The Trolls are Out This Week

1h ago

Crime stats

Over 5,000 grams of drugs, 130 guns seized in eight months by police

Sep 06, 2024

'Personal electronic device policy'

When it comes to banning cellphones, the P.A. kids are not alright

Sep 05, 2024

Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and the Water Security Agency, said the 5G expansion into the Battlefords will be a much-needed boost to the community.

The work involves installing new equipment on the towers around the Battlefords.

“It’s all part of the $1.5-billion of capital that’s being spent around the province,” Cockrill said. “The 5G rollout specifically in the province is about $525-million. In the Battlefords area, it’s about $3-million to upgrade the towers in the area, so that it’s possible to provide the 5G wireless network.”

He said many people require higher-speed Internet these days, so the technology will help meet the demand and improve efficiency.

“More and more of what we do every day, whether it’s at home or at work, requires the Internet, and more and more it requires fast Internet,” Cockrill said. “I think about all the video calls I do on a weekly basis. That requires a high level of Internet service.”

He said the 5G technology will provide more capacity. It will help also reduce delays people can sometimes experience on the network.

“I think it is going to benefit people at home, whether you are taking classes at home or watching streaming services,” Cockrill said. “And, obviously businesses in the community [as well]. It is going to benefit a number of businesses, if not every business in the community frankly. So, they can continue their work as uninterrupted as possible.”

The farming sector also relies on fast and dependable Internet access for their operations as well. So, the 5G network in the Battlefords area should be able to make their work easier also.

“Farmers are incredibly innovative… Some of the technology around keeping track of what’s in your bin and the quality of that, that all requires connection to the Internet, to the wireless network,” Cockrill said. “The better shape that network is in, the better set-up producers in our area are going to be in, to be connected to the world.”

–

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow