Samsung Canada today announced that SaskTel has begun rolling out Samsung’s Cloud-native 4G and 5G Core on the network, marking another exciting milestone in the evolution of wireless connectivity in Saskatchewan. As part of SaskTel’s continued 5G expansion across the province, Samsung’s Core will enable high speeds and low latency, providing an ultra-responsive and enhanced 4G and 5G user experience across voice, data and text services.

Samsung’s Core is a virtualized solution that transforms the traditional telecom core into a cloud-native, flexible and scalable software platform. Built on a containerized and service-based architecture, it delivers boosted agility, flexibility and efficiency in utilizing network resources. The solution also enables enhanced automation, from deployment to scaling and lifecycle management of network functions, helping operators like SaskTel to quickly launch new services and upgrade to meet business needs.

“We at SaskTel are proud to launch Samsung’s Core on our network, which will serve as a transformative step toward accelerating innovation and enhancing the everyday wireless experience for our customers,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “From developments in AI, to smart agriculture and virtual healthcare, to immersive gaming and IoT, this technology lays the foundation for a future where connectivity empowers people, organizations and communities to reach their full potential.”

The implementation of Samsung’s Core, in combination with the deployment of SaskTel’s 3800 MHz and 3500 MHz wireless spectrum, will deliver improved speeds across the network. These performance gains will be further augmented following SaskTel’s deployment of Samsung’s 5G Standalone (SA) Core solution for the next phase of its network modernization.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the deployment of Samsung’s Cloud-native 4G and 5G Core in SaskTel’s commercial network, as we continue to deliver cutting-edge technology to the Canadian market,” said Stephen Wiktorski, Vice President and Head of Networks at Samsung Canada. “As we push the boundaries of innovation globally, Samsung remains committed to providing our customers with advanced solutions that drive connectivity and growth in an increasingly digital world.”

The launch of Samsung’s Core complements SaskTel’s broader 5G rollout, which now covers nearly 90% of the provincial population. As the network matures, customers can expect even faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced support for smart devices, connected homes, and emerging technologies.

Since its 5G network launched in 2021, SaskTel has been working with Samsung to deploy an end-to-end 5G solution, which can support remote work, virtual health and distance education, and enable SaskTel’s customers to realize the full capabilities of the latest 5G devices.

Samsung Networks has pioneered the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions, including chipsets, radios and cores. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung drives the industry to advance 5G networks with its market-leading product portfolio, from purpose-built RAN, virtualized RAN, Open RAN, AI-RAN, core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools and applications. The company currently provides innovative network solutions to mobile operators that deliver boundless connectivity to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

About SaskTel
SaskTel is the leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) provider in Saskatchewan, with approximately $1.3 billion in annual revenue and nearly 1.4 million customer connections including more than 680,000 wireless accesses, 228,000 wireline network accesses, 293,000 internet and data accesses, 107,000 maxTV service subscribers, and 68,000 security monitoring customers. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries offer a wide range of ICT products and services including competitive voice, data and Internet services, wireless data services, maxTV services, data centre services, cloud-based services, security monitoring services, advertising services, and international software and consulting services. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 3,200 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.

Matt Smith / CP Images

Today, SaskTel, Samsung Canada, and Innovation Saskatchewan announced the launch of Saskatchewan’s first-ever 5G Innovation Labs. Named the SaskTel 5G Innovation Lab – powered by Samsung, these new labs are purposefully designed and equipped to provide local businesses, university students, researchers, and other innovators with the tools and facilities needed to unlock the full potential of 5G technology and develop innovative solutions that will shape the future of communication and connectivity across Saskatchewan.

‘There are significant economic opportunities and social benefits that advanced communications networks and technologies can deliver to people in communities across our Province,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan. “These labs are a critical resource for local innovators, providing them with the means to fully leverage advanced wireless technologies and develop innovative solutions. Access to the latest high quality 5G services will play an important role in connecting our province and accelerating Saskatchewan’s economic growth.”

“Today’s announcement marks another positive step forward for connectivity and innovation in our province,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “These labs will accelerate the development of wireless innovations that will support job creation and economic growth, and help Saskatchewan people benefit from the many opportunities that come from the deployment of 5G technology.”

The 5G Innovation Labs are located at the Collider co-working spaces in Saskatoon and Regina, part of the Innovation Place research and technology parks. In close proximity to the province’s largest post-secondary institutions, a world-class research community and growing technology companies, the parks provide a ready-made gathering place for the labs’ users.

The unique space and flexible accommodation of the Collider co-working spaces will also provide a seamless integrated experience for short and long-term use.

“Innovation Saskatchewan is proud to be home to the 5G Innovation Labs,” said Kari Harvey, CEO of Innovation Saskatchewan “This collaboration between industry and government shows the province’s commitment to ensuring the competitiveness of our tech sector and expanding opportunities through our evolving innovation corridor.”

5G Labs have become crucial for companies in Canada because they open vast amounts of data transfer, creating networks that are more secure, clean and faster than previous technologies for companies to test products and conduct research. This will especially benefit the province’s core industries like agriculture, mining and health care as well as Internet of Things (IoT) companies that rely on the advantages of a 5G network.

Matt Smith/CP Images.

“We live in a wireless world where everything from business to government, education to healthcare, financial transactions to social interactions are reliant on the wireless networks and technologies that connect us to people and resources all over the world,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “I want to thank both Samsung and Innovation Saskatchewan for partnering with us to bring these labs from concept to reality and we’re excited to launch the labs so that we can start pushing the boundaries of 5G technology to create a more connected future for our province.”

Initially launched in late 2021, SaskTel’s 5G network consists of more than 520 cell sites and covers nearly 85% of the provincial population. Already able to deliver hyper-fast data speeds, SaskTel’s 5G network will continue to evolve to meet the needs of customers and support the emergence of new wireless technologies.

“We are only just beginning to see the incredible possibilities 5G will enable for Canadian industries, and with these new Innovation Labs we are marking a critical next step in bringing these capabilities to life,” said Stephen Wiktorski, Vice President and Head of Networks, Samsung Canada. “Together with SaskTel and Innovation Saskatchewan, we are proud to realize a new era of innovation in Saskatchewan.”

As the primary and trusted wireless solutions provider to SaskTel, Samsung is providing the latest 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core solutions to help foster an environment for innovation. Built on an advanced 5G RAN architecture, the ultra-low latency and high bandwidth capabilities of 5G will empower innovators to explore and create solutions across various industries from mining to agriculture to smart cities. Samsung’s technology will be the catalyst for the advancement of use cases for wireless private networks and the Innovation Labs will provide the necessary environment for innovators to realize their solutions. Samsung’s industry leading designs and expertise in deployment will provide the assistance needed to get the Innovation Labs up and running.

Matt Smith / CP Images’

To learn more or book space at the SaskTel 5G Innovation Labs – powered by Samsung, please visit www.sasktel.com/5Ginnovationlab

SaskTel and Samsung Canada are proud to power this year’s Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) with an upgraded 5G network, connecting CWA visitors and vendors to a fast, reliable network experience. SaskTel’s 5G network, powered by Samsung, is equipping CWA with ultra-fast connectivity as thousands of guests from around the world come together for Canada’s epic agriculture event.

As Canada’s largest livestock show, CWA takes place over six days in Regina, Saskatchewan and hosts thousands of guests. In 2022, SaskTel and Samsung significantly enhanced the network’s capacity from the year prior through upgraded and expanded equipment onsite at the Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) District. Samsung provided 24 radios and three CDUs to enable a seamless calling and network experience for its guests.

In 2022, throughout the week the event took place, CWA hosted over 100,000 visitors who were able to seamlessly make and receive calls and access high-speed internet  on the SaskTel network. Additionally, an increased 4G LTE and 3.5GHz spectrum enabled peak speeds of 900Mbps for those onsite, with a 400Mbps download speed during peak busy hours – powering strong connections for vendors and visitors to connect with one another and share their experiences.

“Canadian Western Agribition is a  significant event that deserves a strong network,” said Stephen Wiktorski, Vice President and Head of Networks, Samsung Canada. “Together with SaskTel, we are proud to provide Canada’s agricultural community with strong connectivity to share the exciting moments, actions and experiences that bring us together.”

“Samsung is an excellent partner and has been instrumental in the deployment of SaskTel’s 5G network,” said Chad Olson, Chief Technology Officer, SaskTel. “At SaskTel, we recognize that advanced connectivity has become a critical factor for success in the ag sector and we are thrilled to show what our 5G network can do when thousands of producers come from around the world to attend this year’s Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.”

“As the Canadian Western Agribition continues to grow and evolve as a world class event, we are grateful to have partners in SaskTel and Samsung to ensure our show provides the best network quality for our vendors and guests,” said Shaun Kindopp, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Western Agribition.

SaskTel and Samsung first brought 5G connectivity to Saskatchewan in 2021, bringing ultra-fast data speeds, enhanced capacity and ultra-low latency to the province. 5G technology opens up possibilities, including smart cities, immersive healthcare, agri-tech solutions, and gaming. Samsung is the sole vendor of SaskTel’s 5G network deployment.

In 2023, SaskTel’s continued rollout of 5G across Saskatchewan delivered fast speeds and reliability to visitors at many of the province’s most celebrated events, including the Craven Country Thunder, Ag in Motion, Queen City Ex, and Saskatoon Ex.

To learn more about how Samsung is powering 5G connectivity across Canada, click here.

In March 2021, Samsung was named sole vendor of SaskTel’s 5G network deployment, and in December 2021, opened a regional office in Regina to support the implementation.

Leveraging Samsung’s full, end-to-end 5G solution, SaskTel’s 5G network makes it possible to deliver hyper-fast data speeds of up to 1.2 Gigabits per second (Gbps), allowing customers to connect faster than at present. Once fully deployed, the 5G network will deliver enhanced capacity and ultra-low latency, enabling new use cases for wireless technology and next-generation innovations such as smart cities, immersive healthcare, agri-tech solutions and gaming.

For more information on Samsung Canada Networks, visit

https://www.samsung.com/ca/business/networks-solutions/5g-networks/

Don Morgan, Minister responsible for SaskTel, Jeff Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada, Stephen Wiktorski, head of networks for Samsung Canada, Doug Burnett, President and CEO of SaskTel, and Daryl Godfrey, CTO of SaskTel, from left, pose for a photo before a press conference at the SaskTel Collaboration Centre in Regina, Sask. on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2021. Samsung Canada is opening a regional office in Regina to support SaskTel’s 5G network deployment across the province. CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Michael Bell

Samsung Electronics Canada Co. Ltd. today announced the establishment of a new regional office in Regina, Saskatchewan to support its growing relationship with SaskTel and commitment to bringing transformational 5G wireless services and solutions to the Province, its people, and businesses.

“This announcement is further validation of our government’s work to build a stronger, more innovative economy, and will allow both SaskTel and Samsung to expedite the deployment of 5G and 5G solutions in Saskatchewan,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “As wireless technology continues to redefine how we live and work, our government will continue doing all we can to pave the way for future growth and success in all of Saskatchewan’s industries and sectors.”

“We are pleased to continue building our relationship with SaskTel and supporting the growth of Saskatchewan’s flourishing technology sector,” said Jeff Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada. “The opening of a Samsung office in Regina underscores our commitment to ensuring a successful, end-to-end 5G network deployment for SaskTel, and enabling the foundation for next-generation innovations such as smart cities, immersive healthcare, agri-tech solutions and next-level gaming. We look forward to building on Samsung’s strong networks presence in Canada and around the world, and to delivering the unparalleled levels of performance and efficiency offered by 5G.”

Based in downtown Regina, Samsung’s new regional office will support the deployment of 5G network capabilities and solutions in the province. In March 2021, it was announced that Samsung would supply all hardware, software, and associated expertise to deploy SaskTel’s 5G solutions.

“At SaskTel, we are committed to providing the very best services to our customers to help them meet the demands of an ever more connected world,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO. “Collaborating with Samsung for 5G and having them now situated close to our head office in Regina will give us the chance to explore more opportunities that will benefit Saskatchewan people and the economy.”

SaskTel plans to begin deploying its 5G network on a limited basis by the end of 2021, with wider deployment planned for 2022 in Regina and Saskatoon. Some of the key benefits of 5G include increased data speeds, reliability, ultra-low latency and capacity. These capabilities are powering advanced solutions for remote work and virtual health as well as new applications for agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

Samsung’s mobile offerings are also built to support 5G, delivering enhanced experiences for consumers that include uninterrupted video streaming, hyper-fast download speeds and improved connectivity.

For more information on Samsung’s 5G deployment in Saskatchewan, visit https://news.samsung.com/global/sasktel-selects-samsung-for-5g-network-deployment

“SaskTel’s deployment of a transformational 5G network will foster continued innovation and support the growth of Saskatchewan’s technology sector,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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 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.