SASKTEL INTRODUCES BILL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

Released on July 21, 1997

Deputy Premier and Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dwain

Lingenfelter today announced that effective immediately, SaskTel is

introducing bill management options for residential customers, which

include:



free blocking of outgoing 900/976 calls

free long distance toll restriction

waiving of security deposits

service connection payment plans



"With the introduction of bill management options, SaskTel is

addressing the need for customers to have greater choice and

accessibility in their telephone services, including the ability to

limit access to toll and 900/976 calls," Lingenfelter said. "At the

same time, SaskTel is responding to concerns raised by advocacy groups

and Saskatchewan families regarding the provision of reliable and

affordable local telephone services to all SaskTel customers across

the province."



Customers who subscribe to the new bill management options will still

be able to access toll free numbers, receive long distance calls, and

make long distance calls using pre-paid phone cards. Those customers

will no longer have to provide a security deposit in order to obtain

local telephone service.



As well, residential customers will now be able to spread out

their service connection charges for network access and terminal

equipment. Some conditions will apply before customers can take

advantage of this installment payment plan.



Existing residential customers who currently pay up to $16.50 per

month for toll restriction services and $1.00 per month for

denial of 900/976 calls, will now receive these services at no

charge.



Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert commended SaskTel on the

new bill management options. "This is a very important

announcement for low-income families across this province.

Because of the up-front installation costs, many low-income

families have not been able to have a phone in their home.



Today's announcement removes the financial obstacles to

residential telephone service for thousands of Saskatchewan

residents - it provides safety for families and assists

individuals in accessing employment opportunities.



"SaskTel's efforts to introduce bill management options will make

it easier for children to be contacted by phone to participate in

community activities, contact government and non-government

organizations and be reached by their extended family," Brenda

Zalenchuk, Chairperson of the Telephone Working Committee for

Saskatoon Communities for Children said.



SaskTel is the leading full services communications company in

Saskatchewan, providing voice, data, Internet, text and messaging

services over a fiber optic-based, 100 per cent digital network,

as well as cellular, paging and FleetNet 800 service through its

SaskTel Mobility division.



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For more information, contact:



Darcee MacFarlane Virginia Wilkinson

SaskTel Corporate Affairs, Regina Social Services, Regina

Phone: (306) 777-4441 Phone: (306) 787-0916



Peter Prebble

Saskatoon Communities for Children, Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 956-6147