Released on February 9, 2009
SaskTel cellular network customers in the Luseland and Major 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 services is evident from this latest improvement," Minister of Crown Corporations Ken Cheveldayoff said. "This project to deliver improved wireless data service to residents and businesses across the province will help bring SaskTel's total investment in digital cellular service to over $170 million."
"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 a 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, 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 and software solutions 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 5,200 full-time, part-time and temporary 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