Released on February 6, 2008
SaskTel cellular customers in Regina, Saskatoon, Martensville and White City now have access to faster data speeds thanks to improved 1xEV-DO cellular service. 1xEV-DO Rev A technology provides upload data speeds 12 times faster, and download speeds 1.3 times faster, than the previous version of the technology, and enables a host of wireless data services including content downloads and video streaming. This improvement is part of a previously announced $11.3 million project to expand or improve 1xEV-DO service in 64 locations across the province by the end of 2008.
"SaskTel's commitment to offering its customers world-class wireless services is evident from this latest improvement," Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "This project will deliver improved wireless data service to residents and businesses across the province bringing SaskTel's total investment in digital cellular service since 1998 to over $138 million."
"With the much higher speeds made possible by 1xEV-DO technology, SaskTel cellular customers are able to use wireless data services such as content downloads, video and audio streaming, mail and messaging, push-to-talk service and web browsing at speeds close to residential internet high speed connections," SaskTel president and CEO Robert Watson said. "We will continue to invest in our network to provide our customers with the latest wireless technologies over the largest digital cellular network in the province."
1xEV-DO Rev A is a third generation network technology available to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular carriers that will support download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps. If customers roam outside of the 1xEV-DO coverage area, the device will switch to 1xRTT coverage automatically. SaskTel's entire digital network has been enabled with 1xRTT functionality since 2003.
About SaskTel
Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, offering competitive voice, data, dial-up and high speed Internet, entertainment and multimedia services, security, web hosting, text and messaging services, and cellular and wireless data services over its digital networks. The Corporation also provides security monitoring services through SecurTek, directory services through DirectWest, in-room communications services to the healthcare sector through Hospitality Network, telecommunications consulting service through SaskTel International and an out-of-province sales and service channel in Alberta and British Columbia. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 5,100 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Andy Tate
SaskTel
Regina
Phone: 306-777-4548
Email: andy.tate@sasktel.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-1226