Tag: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

Eligible low-income families and seniors can soon access internet for $20/month

Internet connection with IP routing background

The Government of Canada is partnering with 14 internet service providers (ISPs) to bring $20 a month internet to low-income families and seniors.

The partnership is through the government’s Connecting Families initiative. According to the government’s website, ISPs participate in the program “voluntarily and without and without government subsidy.”

Access Communications, Bell, CCAP, Cogeco, Hay Communications, Mornington, Novus, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, Tbaytel, Telus, Vidéotron, and Westman Communications are participating in the program.

“Many low-income Canadians are still facing barriers that prevent their full participation in the economy,” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said.

“By working closely with internet service providers across the country, we are increasing accessibility and providing all Canadians with affordable and reliable internet.”

This announcement is the second phase of the Connecting Families initiative.

Families receiving the Canada Child Benefit and Guaranteed Income Supplement are eligible for the program. The program includes 50Mbps download speeds and 200GB of data usage each month. If 50Mbps is not available, it will consist of the fastest download speed in the region.

The first version of the plan, Connecting Families 1.0, which offered a $10 internet plan, is still available.

Eligible families should keep an eye on their mailboxes. They’ll receive a letter from the government with an access code needed to sign up for the program.

The offering is part of the government’s plan to ensure 98 percent of Canadians have high-speed internet access by 2026. The government has also made significant investments in the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) to achieve this goal. A map of all UBF funded projects can be viewed here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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Mobile Syrup

SaskTel expands infiNET 600 and infiNET 1 Gig to 22 communities

SaskTel has launched infiNET 600 and infiNET 1 Gig to bring communities served by their infiNET service access to faster download speeds.

infiNET 600 will offer infiNET subscribers download speeds up to 600 Mbps, and infiNET 1 Gig will provide speeds up to 940 Mbps.

“Internet technology has become more important than ever before, and it is great to see that more people can now access the ultra-fast speeds that customers in Regina and Saskatoon already enjoy,” Don Morgan, the Minister responsible for SaskTel, said.

The company says the two features will work perfectly for those who want smoother video calls, no-lag gaming, and crisp 4K streaming, even with multiple users online.

“With SaskTel infiNET service, our customers have access to future-ready internet technology that will continue to evolve to meet their growing needs for years to come,” Doug Burnett, SaskTel’s CEO, said.

22 new communities in Saskatchewan now have access. This number will grow as SaskTel plans on expanding infiNET to more communities in the coming years, including the City of Lloydminster, as part of its Rural Fibre Initiative.

SaskTel introduced the two features in Regina and Saskatoon last year.

Image credit: SaskTel

Source: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

Sasktel will continue to waive Ukraine calling fees until June 30

In the wake of Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine, several Canadian carriers began waiving long-distance calling charges for calls made from Canada to Ukraine back in mid-February.

Saskatchewan-based Sasktel had initially waived charges for long-distance calling from Canada to Ukraine until March 31st. The carrier also waived texting charges, along with roaming charges for calls, texts, and data for customers in Ukraine.

Sasktel today announced that it will continue the initiative until June 30th, 2022.

“As Ukrainians continue to defend their homeland, we here in Saskatchewan remain steadfast in support of their brave fight,” said Don Morgan, Minister responsible for SaskTel. “By continuing to waive fees, SaskTel is doing their part to ensure Ukrainian-Canadian families in our province can connect with their loved ones in Ukraine during this incredibly difficult time.”

This means that Sasktel customers here in Canada can text or call their loved ones in Ukraine for free, whereas roaming charges for calls, texts, and data overages for customers currently in Ukraine have been waived.

Image credit: Sasktel

Source: Sasktel

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Mobile Syrup

SaskTel expands its 5G network to Saskatoon

5G smart mobile telephone radio network antenna base station on the telecommunication mast radiating signal

SaskTel is rolling out its 5G network in Saskatoon for the first time.

The Saskatchewan-based telecom company says it has also given 5G access to 15 towers in Regina, including towers located in the downtown business district.

The company first announced the launch of its 5G services in parts of Regina in December. The company says its network will be further expanded to cover the majority of Regina and Saskatoon by year’s end.

SaskTel’s 5G network is powered by Samsung and delivers speeds up to 1.2Gbps. Once the network is fully deployed, there will be increased capacity and “ultra-low latency” allowing new uses of wireless technology for next-generation innovations.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward as we strive to bring 5G service to our customers throughout the province,” Doug Burnett, SaskTel’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

“Combining unparalleled wireless data speeds with incredible network capacity and near real-time connections, our 5G network raises the standard for connectivity and paves the way for exciting technological innovations that will transform the way we connect to the world around us.”

To access the network, customers have to be within an area SaskTel’S 5G network covers, have a capable device, and use a compatible 5G wireless plan.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

Donations from SaskTel employees leads to support for community non-profits, charitable organizations

In a wave of bad news accounting for uncertainty and an increase in COVID-19 case numbers is a ray of hope courtesy of generous SaskTel employees.

The Saskatchewan-based telecom company has an internal program called TelCare. It allows employees to voluntarily donate funds through their paycheck. The company matches each donation by 50 percent, and the money goes towards a number of different organizations across the province.

A total of $209,000 was raised in 2021. The program had 648 enrolled employees, raising a total of $140,000. With the company’s 50 percent match, a total of $209,000 was raised and went towards 47 organizations.

The funds will support breakfast programs in schools, a program that gives teddy bears to sick children in Saskatchewan hospitals, and a number of other community-based organizations.

“SaskTel employees really are the driving force behind TelCare” Doug Burnett, SaskTel president and CEO, said in a statement. “What makes me proud to work for a company like SaskTel is that the corporation and its employees have always embraced giving back to the communities where we live and work and I’m glad to say the same for 2021.”

Image credit: SaskTel

Source: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

December round-up: network expansions around Canada

5G cellular repeaters on the pole

Telecom providers make infrastructure announcements every month, promising to improve wireless and broadband services across the country.

To help you keep track of these announcements, and check for possible improvements in your community, here’s an outline of all infrastructure announcements made in December 2021.

Telus

December 2nd: Telus brings 5G to Camrose, Alberta

SaskTel

December 6th: SaskTel expands its fibre optic network infiNet to 24 communities in Saskatchewan, including Carrot Lake, Foam Lake, and Osler

December 15th: The company introduces 5G in parts of Regina

Nokia

December 8th: The company teams up with Rally to improve connectivity in residential neighbourhoods 

Rogers

December 15th: Rogers constructs cell tower along Highway of Tears to expand cell services

December 16th: Rogers expands its fibre-powered network to Humber Village, Little Rapids, and Bell Island in Newfoundland and Labrador

Government bodies

December 7th: Government of Ontario builds new infrastructure network to bring high-speed internet across Essex County 

December 9th: Government of Manitoba partners with Xplornet to improve 5G access in communities across the province 

December 17th: The federal government and Province of Alberta enter partnership to fund projects that advance high-speed internet in the province 

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

December 16th: The government watchdog provides $8.8 million towards four projects that will improve internet access in Alberta and Nova Scotia  

Image credit: ShutterStock

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Mobile Syrup

SaskTel drops prices on internet, data plans and devices for Boxing Week

As with all the other carriers in the country (seriously check our deals page), SaskTel has dropped a plethora of discounts and sales on its products for ‘Boxing Week.’

As much as I want to comment on the fact that I thought Boxing Week was after December 24th, let’s just hop into the deals.

Below are all of the carrier’s offers:

Wireless

When it comes to wireless deals, SaskTel is offering people either a discount on a new device or $20 off per month on a plan when they buy a new phone. As far as I can tell, the phone discounts are quite substantial, with the iPhone 13 being knocked down to $359 upfront or a lowly $15 per month ($770 off).

You can check out the plans and devices here.

Accessory deals

These deals are less substantial but may apply to some people in specific circumstances. The first deal takes 20 percent off the purchase of two or more cases and the second just discounts on Galaxy Watches and Galaxy Buds. Other items like Nest Mini and the Chromecast are also on sale.

You can browse those deals here.

TV + Internet bundle deals

If you sign up for a TV plus SakTel’s 150 download speed internet on a two-year plan, you’ll get a $100 bonus credit. When bundled together, the plan is only $85 a month as well. There are two other options that feature the same internet speeds but switch up the TV package included.

You can view all three bundles here.

Internet deals

If you just want an internet package, there are a few deals for you as well, at least if you’re a new subscriber to the company. Sasktel is also offering a free year of its Optimum internet service, but that’s just an upgraded router and Wi-Fi extender. You’re likely better off investing in your own gear and avoiding this since it’s an extra $10 per pay period after the free year.

The cheapest plan starts at $65 per month for 150Mbps down and 75Mbps up if you’re a new subscriber. This deal is only valid for the first two years and then it’s $10 more expensive if you stay in a contract after that, and $20 more expensive if you decide to leave the contract but stay with SakTel month-to-month. The most expensive plan starts at $125 per month and gets 940Mbps down and 500Mbps up.

You can view and compare the internet plans here.

Source: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

SaskTel brings 5G to Saskatchewan

SaskTel has begun to deploy its 5G wireless network in Saskatchewan.

The company, a crown corporation of the Saskatchewan government, said the launch is based in parts Regina. The network will be further expanded in the rest of the city and Saskatoon in Spring 2022.

The network will deliver faster internet speeds and have a larger network capacity. Connection will be “instantaneous.”

In order to use this new service, customers have to be within the 5G coverage area, have a device capable of using the service, and sign up for a plan that is compatible with 5G.

“We are thrilled to bring the next generation of wireless technology to our customers. Not only does it further enhance their ability to connect to the world around them, it also sets the stage for technological innovations that will improve the quality of life in our wonderful province,” Doug Burnett, SaskTel’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

The network is powered by Samsung. The company says 5G will help the development of technology use in agriculture, smart cities, healthcare, and many other industries. It likens this expansion to the impact 4G had on the app economy.

Image credit: SaskTel

Source: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

Everything you need to know about Sasktel’s Lüm Mobile

SaskTel surprised users this week when it announced the launch of its new phone subbrand, Lüm Mobile.

It’s a low-cost carrier that uses a membership model and eliminates the need for customer service representatives. Users must purchase data to make voice calls and send text messages. This is the only provider in the country to use a membership model.

But why the need for a new brand?

Lindsay Mazenc, a spokesperson at SaskTel, told MobileSyrup the company wanted to differentiate itself from what they usually offered and “cause some buzz.”

“We were noticing there are more customers preferring to manage their own services online with more affordable prices than our traditional full-service model,” Mazenc said.

While Lüm is a separate entity from SaskTel, which is a crown corporation of the Saskatchewan government, existing SaskTel staff are the ones working on the service.

Crown corporations pay a dividend back to the provincial government at the end of the year. No government money went into the creation of Lüm and SaskTel operates on its own, Mazenc said.

Lüm users pay their bills by purchasing a membership and turn to forums to get answers to their questions. The service is targeted towards those wanting to manage their own phone services. Users must have a Saskatchewan address to sign up.

Two levels of membership are available. A three-month option costs $50 and a full-year membership costs $180. 2GB of data costs $15, 6GB is $30, 14 GB is $55, and $25 GB is $80.

1MB of data gets users 10 texts or one minute of voice calls. Data can be topped up whenever more is needed. Unused data does not expire. A comparison calculator is available to help customers determine what plan is best for them.

Lüm has no plans to add more purchasing options at this time. This might change if the demand increases, but given the service is brand new, they’re sticking with what they have for now. At this time, details of how many customers have signed up are not available.

Mazenc said Lüm was “talked about for a while” but there was a push “this past calendar year to get this up and going.”

Lüm’s loud and colourful branding folded into the “buzz” SaskTel wanted to create, and further represents a change from their traditional service.

The new company is also focusing on environmental initiatives, given its top of mind for many, Mazenc said. Its current initiative is called Bloom with Lüm. Customer sim packages will contain seeds for wildflowers for pollinators and an explanation of the benefits of planting those seeds.

Image credit: SaskTel

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Mobile Syrup

SaskTel announces launch of new mobile service called Lüm Mobile

Lüm Mobile, a new digital mobile service created by Saskatchewan-based carrier Sasktel, aims to shift the world of mobile plans by supporting a “self-serve wireless” service.

There are no plans for purchase and customers won’t have to pay monthly bills. Instead, customers will buy memberships to access “data at great rates” with no expiration date. Customers will only pay for data, calls, and texts they use. More data can be purchased at any time, given Lüm Mobile focuses on a self-service model.

Membership is available in two auto-pay levels. The first one lasts three months and costs $50. The second lasts a year and costs $180. Data is purchased separately and is used to make calls and texts. 2GB costs $15, 6GB is $30, 14 GB is $55, and $25 GB is $80. 1 MB of data will get you 10 texts to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Alternatively, the same amount of data will get one minute of talk.

Unlimited talk and text options are available as an add-on. The three-month option costs $25 and the one-year option costs $75.

“We have recognized that customers are moving increasingly towards self-serve online services,” said Doug Burnett, president and CEO of SaskTel, said in a statement. “Lüm Mobile will be a great option for customers that are seeking a more digital approach, allowing customers to customize and self-manage what works for their individual preference.”

Customers interested in accessing the service will have to bring in their own mobile phones to sign up.

Image credit: SaskTel

Source: SaskTel