Earlier this week, SaskTel announced it will be investing roughly $413 million in capital expenditures over the next year, and more than $1.6 billion over the next five years.

In a release, the telecommunications company said it will be investing in more wireless and fibre optic broadband infrastructure than it ever has in a single fiscal year as it continues "to accelerate the expansion of its 5G wireless network."

“Ensuring that Saskatchewan families, businesses, and communities have access to advanced broadband and wireless technologies is a critical part of our government’s plan to create growth that works for everyone,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “The record investments that SaskTel is making in its networks will strengthen the foundation of our provincial economy, while also ensuring Saskatchewan is well positioned to compete and succeed in the modern economy.”

SaskTel's 2023-2024 investment program includes:

  • $160 million for 5G deployment
  • $106 million for the fibre-to-the-x (FTTx) program
  • $70.5 million in technology
  • $76.5 million for customer services and operations

The company said your cell phone service should improve with the new investments.

"In 2023-24, SaskTel will make a record setting investment in wireless infrastructure which will allow it to upgrade more than 260 cell sites to 5G. Once upgraded, these cell sites will provide 5G service in Saskatchewan’s nine major urban centres, along major highways, and in rural or resort areas," the release said. 

"As part of this investment, SaskTel also plans to construct up to 10 new cell sites to enhance wireless coverage and capacity in the nine major urban centres."

The SaskTel spending will take place this upcoming fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.