More than 6,500 households in rural and northern Saskatchewan, including thousands of Indigenous homes, will soon have access to high-speed Internet as the federal government invests up to $105 million in new connectivity projects.
The announcement was made Friday by Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, who said the funding will support three broadband expansion projects led by SaskTel. The initiative aims to connect 6,522 households in 35 remote communities across the province, including over 4,800 Indigenous homes, as part of a broader push to bridge Canada’s digital divide.
“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,” Belanger said. “This investment is a major milestone for Saskatchewan.”
The funding comes from the federal government’s Universal Broadband Fund, a $3.2-billion program designed to bring high-speed Internet access to 98 per cent of Canadian households by 2026, with a goal of reaching 100 per cent by 2030.
Saskatchewan’s current rural broadband coverage lags behind the national average, with just 84.4 per cent of households currently connected to high-speed service compared to 95.8 per cent nationally.
The new projects are expected to enhance online access to essential services like healthcare, education and employment opportunities, while also supporting Indigenous communities with improved access to emergency supports and safety resources.
SaskTel President and CEO Charlene Gavel said the project isn’t just about faster Internet, it’s about empowerment.
“We’re thrilled to utilize funding from the Universal Broadband Fund to bring the incredible speed and power of our infiNET network to residents and businesses in more than 30 northern and Indigenous communities,” Gavel said. “For SaskTel, this initiative is not just about delivering fast Internet speeds — it’s about supporting local businesses, empowering students, strengthening communities and enriching lives.”
The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for SaskTel, also welcomed the announcement.
“These funds will add to the nearly $1 billion SaskTel has already invested to bring fibre-powered Internet connectivity across Saskatchewan,” Harrison said.
Today’s announcement builds on the federal government’s ongoing commitment to close the digital gap in rural and underserved communities. Since 2015, Ottawa has invested more than $215 million in connectivity projects across Saskatchewan.
The federal government also noted that improved broadband infrastructure can play a critical role in public safety, particularly for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people, who face disproportionate rates of violence. Enhanced access to online resources, support networks and emergency services is seen as a step toward safer and more connected communities.