Released on August 27, 2009
SaskTel cellular network customers in the Furness, Marshall and Richmound areas now have access to faster data speeds thanks to the new EV-DO Rev A enhancement. EV-DO technology enables a host of wireless data services, including web browsing, content downloads and video streaming. This expansion is part of an ongoing $11.3 million project to expand or improve EV-DO service in 64 locations across the province.
"SaskTel's commitment to offering its customers world-class wireless service is evident from this latest improvement," Minister Responsible for SaskTel Don Morgan said. "EV-DO service offers residential and business customers faster speeds and increased bandwidth for a better wireless experience."
"With the much higher speeds made possible by EV-DO Rev A technology, and an EV-DO capable device, SaskTel cellular customers will be able to use wireless data services such as web browsing, content downloads, streaming video, streaming radio, email and instant messaging 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."
EV-DO Rev A is a third generation network technology available to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular carriers that will support peak average upload speeds ranging between 350 kbps and 550 kbps, and peak average download speeds ranging between 2000 kbps and 2300 kbps. In order to use EV-DO Rev A, the customer must be using an EV-DO Rev A capable device in the EV-DO Rev A locations. If customers roam outside of the EV-DO coverage area, the device will switch to 1X coverage automatically. SaskTel's entire digital network has been enabled with 1X functionality since 2003.
About SaskTel
Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, with $1.138 billion in annual revenue and more than 1.3 million customer connections including more than 510,000 wireless accesses, 555,000 wireline network accesses, 216,000 internet accesses and 70,000 MaxTM (TV) subscribers. SaskTel offers a wide range of communications products and services including competitive voice, data, internet, entertainment, national security, messaging, cellular, wireless data and directory services. In addition, SaskTel International offers software solutions and project consulting in countries around the world. In 2008, SaskTel contributed more than $610 million to the Saskatchewan economy through dollars spent with Saskatchewan-based suppliers and sponsorships to non-profit organizations. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Andy Tate
SaskTel
Regina
Phone: 777-4548
Email: andy.tate@sasktel.sk.ca
Cell: 537-1226