SaskTel Gets $105 Million from Ottawa to Expand Rural Internet

The federal government is putting up a cool $105 million toward expanding high-speed Internet in rural and northern Saskatchewan, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development today. The announcement was made at the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Office Complex in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

The funding will support three projects led by the province’s crown corporation, SaskTel, and is expected to connect more than 6,500 households in 35 remote communities—including over 4,800 Indigenous homes.

The money comes from the $3.225 billion Universal Broadband Fund (funded by taxpayers), which aims to improve Internet access in rural, remote, and Indigenous areas across Canada.

“In today’s day and age, every corner of Saskatchewan should have access to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet—whether that’s in Sweetgrass or all the way in Black Lake. Today’s announcement of up to $105 million in new funding to connect 6,522 rural households in the province is a major milestone for Saskatchewan. Investments like these create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, and keep us connected to our loved ones,” said Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State.

The federal government says it’s still on track to meet its target of bringing high-speed Internet to 98% of Canadian households by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

Provincial minister Jeremy Harrison said it will add to SaskTel’s ongoing investments, which total nearly $1 billion to date.

SaskTel CEO Charlene Gavel said the company will use the funding to expand its fibre-optic infiNET service in more than 30 northern and Indigenous communities. Gavel said the goal is not just faster Internet, but improved access to education, business tools, and health services.