More of the province has joined SaskTel's 5G network after recent upgrades, including several spots in the southwest.

Assiniboia, Gull Lake, Highway 4 south of Rosetown, Highway 45 southwest of Outlook, and Highway 21 north of Maple Creek were all part of the most recent expansion. 

External communications manager with the Crown corporation, Greg Jacobs, explained that customers will notice the biggest shift once technology catches up to 5G capabilities.

"Similar to how our roads and highways connect us within the province our 5G network and our fiber network is what helps connect our customers to the world," he said. "As we look to the future ... that's when you're going to see some developments in remote healthcare, distance learning, agriculture, transportation and a number of services and technologies that support rural economic prosperity and quality of life."

In order to connect to its 5G network, SaskTel customers need to be within a 5G coverage area, have a 5G capable device that is certified for use on the SaskTel 5G network, and subscribe to a 5G compatible wireless plan.

The 5G network is comprised of more than 1,000 cell towers across Sask.; 450 sites have been upgraded since the project's inception, including the 30 announced on Friday. 

"We still have some work to do, but we're very happy with the progress we've made since initially launching 5G in Regina back in late 2021," said Jacobs.