SaskTel has announced they will be doubling their investment into the development of fibre optic infrastructure with another $50 million. The goal is to now bring fibre-optic broadband to another 24 communities above and beyond what was initially planned.  

"Expanding access to leading-edge broadband technology is critical in preparing Saskatchewan for its future," Minister Responsible for SaskTel Don Morgan said. "As so many of us have adapted to online learning and new ways of working, we have become ever more dependent on high-speed internet services.  This major investment by SaskTel will help set the stage for Saskatchewan's future and ensure that our province is ready for the post-COVID world with the most advanced communications infrastructure available." 

The Rural Fibre initiative was originally announced this past December. It was to bring fibre-optic broadband through SaskTel’s infiNet service to more than 40 communities by the end of 2023. Now, another 24 communities will be added to the list with the additional $50 million being invested. 

Phase 1 of the project is already underway, with construction starting in Balgonie, Biggar, Langham and Pilot Butte. The goal is to have the majority of homes and businesses in those communities to be fire bready by next March.  

Phase 2, which will start later this year, will see construction in Kindersley, Rosetown and Meadow Lake. The third phase, slated to start in 2022, will see infiNet services expanded in Canora, Carlyle, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Hudson Bay, Indian Head, Kamsack, La Ronge, Lumsden, Maple Creek, Moosomin, Shaunavon, Watrous and Wynyard. 

The fourth and final phase will be part of the $50 million announced this past week. The formal announcement of what communities will be included will come once the list is finalized.