Released on August 4, 1998
Deputy Premier and Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dwain
Lingenfelter today announced details of Get Connected, a new program
from SaskTel aimed at getting Saskatchewan residents and business
owners connected to the Internet and ensure Saskatchewan is prepared
for the next century and the Information Highway.
"SaskTel wants to make it easier and more affordable for the people of
Saskatchewan to get on-line," Lingenfelter said. "The Get Connected
program offers a combination of financing, training and promotional
offers to encourage families and business owners to acquire items such
as computers and modems, as well as Sympatico Internet access tools
needed to thrive on the Information Highway."
The Get Connected program will run from Aug. 1, 1998 to Nov. 30, 1998.
Saskatchewan residents buying a complete computer system or hardware
components such as a modem, printer, scanner or storage products such
as a CD writer are eligible for:
1. special Internet pricing half price Sympatico starter kit, free
Internet service connection, 100 free hours of Internet access in the first month, and 60 hours of free access in the second and
third months;
2. special financing interest rate of 1 per cent over prime floating for a maximum term of 48 months from participating Saskatchewan Credit Unions and the Toronto Dominion Bank;
3. computer hardware offers special computer pricing from
participating Get Connected dealers. As well, Hewlett-Packard
is offering cash rebates and great incentives to purchase
selected Hewlett-Packard products at the Get Connected dealers throughout the program;
4. computer literacy seminars free public training sessions
provided at 30 SIAST campuses and regional colleges on "How To Buy a Computer" and "Hands On With The Internet".
To register for Get Connected or for more information about the
program, customers may call the toll-free number 1-800-321-4354.
A complete list of participating dealers is attached.
"SaskTel is committed to providing all of its customers with the
most cutting-edge services and technologies, competitive pricing
and exceptional service," Lingenfelter said. "SaskTel's lead
role in the Get Connected program demonstrates its strong social
commitment to the people of Saskatchewan in this highly
competitive marketplace."
"We are delighted to be involved in this opportunity to use the
network of SIAST campuses and Saskatchewan's Regional Colleges,
and to provide training which will open up the vast possibilities
of the Internet to the people of Saskatchewan," said Art Knight,
SIAST President.
"The success of credit unions depends upon the success of our
members," says Wayne Wenaus, General Manager of Midale Credit
Union. "Computers and Internet access are increasingly becoming
an essential part of that success. That's why it's so important
for us to help get people all across Saskatchewan connected."
"SaskTel has always been on the leading edge of technology and as
businesses become more and more Internet friendly, it makes good
business sense for us to support this initiative as TD Bank is a
leading provider of a full range of banking service and products
via the Internet," said Brian Hardy, Regional Manager, TD.
"SaskTel's Get Connected program is an excellent way of providing
users with all of the tools needed to get online," said Dan
Branda, chairman, president and CEO, Hewlett-Packard (Canada)
Ltd. "By providing incentives toward the purchase of HP
computing products through this program, HP Canada is offering
everyone in Saskatchewan the best way to communicate and do
business into the next century and is helping to build the
electronic world."
SaskTel is the leading full service communications company in
Saskatchewan, providing voice, data, Internet, text and messaging
services over a fiber optic-based, fully 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
SaskTel Corporate Affairs
Regina
Phone: (306) 777-4441
