SaskTel has started deploying Samsung’s 4G and 5G Core network solution across Saskatchewan. The rollout is part of SaskTel’s 5G expansion strategy to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and a more responsive user experience.
Samsung’s Cloud-native Core transforms telecom infrastructure into a scalable, software-driven platform. Built on a containerized and service-based architecture, it enhances network agility, flexibility, and efficiency. The solution also supports advanced automation across deployment, scaling, and lifecycle management of network functions — enabling operators such as SaskTel to accelerate service launches and optimize operations.
Charlene Gavel, President and CEO of SaskTel, said: “From developments in AI to smart agriculture, virtual healthcare, immersive gaming, and IoT, this technology lays the foundation for a future where connectivity empowers people and communities to reach their full potential.”
SaskTel has $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 in Saskatchewan.
Sasktel invested CAD $398.5 million in capital expenditures for the 2024-25 fiscal year against CAD $368.5 million for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Sasktel invested CAD $130.1 million on wireless (5G, LTE, Wi-Fi) infrastructure and CAD $108.5 million on fibre-to-the-X (FTTx) infrastructure during 2024-25 fiscal year. For the fiscal year 2025-26, SaskTel’s planned capital investment is approximately CAD $465.9 million, representing an increase of about 5.7 percent over the prior year.
The deployment of Samsung’s Core, together with SaskTel’s 3800 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum, will further improve network performance. SaskTel also plans to implement Samsung’s 5G Standalone (SA) Core in the next phase of its modernization program, delivering additional gains in network speed and reliability.
“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.
SaskTel’s 5G network now covers nearly 90 percent of Saskatchewan’s population. With Samsung’s Core in place, customers will experience faster speeds, reduced latency, and better support for connected homes, smart devices, and emerging digital services. Since launching its 5G network in 2021, SaskTel has collaborated with Samsung to deploy an end-to-end 5G solution supporting remote work, virtual health, distance education, and other use cases enabled by next-generation connectivity.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
