Samsung has been appointed as the sole vendor to supply SaskTel with its 4G/5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core. Samsung will supply all hardware, software and associated expertise to ensure the successful deployment of an end-to-end 5G solution.
A SaskTel spokesperson said the Crown corporation expects limited 5G deployment by the end of 2021 in Regina and Saskatoon, then full deployment in those cities in 2022. It will then launch in Saskatchewan’s remaining seven major centres within another 12 months.
Further 5G rollouts will be announced after it is deployed in the province’s nine major centres.
Don Morgan, minister responsible for SaskTel, said that the 5G network will help advance innovation and growth in Saskatchewan’s technology sector.
“SaskTel’s deployment of a transformational 5G network will foster continued innovation and support the growth of Saskatchewan’s technology sector,”
“5G technology will deliver new levels of performance and efficiency that will enhance user experience and set the foundation for smart cities, next generation virtual healthcare, immersive education, smart agriculture technology and next level gaming.”
Samsung will also supply the technology that runs SaskTel’s 4G network. Last year, Morgan announced that SaskTel’s 5G network would be unlikely to use Huawei equipment. Huawei has previously supplied equipment for SaskTel’s 4G network.
“We are pleased to select Samsung as the sole vendor for our 5G network deployment and we are confident that Samsung’s state-of-the-art 5G technology will deliver robust network capability and exceptional connectivity inherent in their 5G solutions,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO.
“The increased speeds, reliability, and capacity that 5G brings will support remote work, virtual health, and distance education, and enable SaskTel’s customers to realize the full capabilities of the latest 5G-ready devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.”
Since 2010, SaskTel has invested over $3.0 billion in capital throughout Saskatchewan to bolster its networks and the investment in 5G technology will prepare for the future demand and deliver an exceptional user experience.
SaskTel says is committed to investing $324 million of capital across Saskatchewan in 2020-21 and over $1.6 billion through to 2025. These investments will ensure that SaskTel customers will continue to enjoy some of the best communication and entertainment services in the world.
“We are excited to collaborate with SaskTel to roll out next generation 5G services within Saskatchewan, further expanding our 5G horizons in Canada with unparalleled 5G network solutions,” said Jeff Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada.
“Samsung is looking forward to supporting SaskTel and providing an end-to-end 5G solution exhibiting Samsung’s ongoing global commitment to advancing a new era in 5G expansion.”
