Saskatchewan operator SaskTel announced yesterday that it has begun commercial deployment of its 5G mobile network in partnership with Samsung, with initial sections of the network going live in parts of Regina, under a first-phase plan to expand coverage throughout Regina and Saskatoon in spring 2022. Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO, declared: 'In addition to delivering improved connectivity for customers in the Regina area today, this initial launch also provides us with a unique opportunity to perform tests in a real world setting which will help us to optimise the network's performance and our deployment strategies moving forward.' To take advantage of the new service, customers within the coverage area need a 5G-capable device certified for use on the SaskTel 5G network and must subscribe to a 5G-compatible user package.

SaskTel's release added that its 5G service will serve as the foundation for next-generation innovations in agri-tech, smart cities, virtual health, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, online gaming, and many other industries. TeleGeography notes that SaskTel won its 3500MHz 5G frequency licence in Canada's national auction at the end of July 2021, paying CAD145 million (USD113 million) for spectrum across its home province.

Thanks to TeleGeography for this industry update.