The provincial government announced last week over 200 rural libraries would be receiving a boost to their internet speeds through their CommunityNet fibre networks. The boost will impact 25 branches that are part of the Southeast Regional Library.
CNet is a private network that connects all education organizations in a single network throughout the province. It is maintained through a joint effort between SaskTel and the provincial Ministry of Education.
"Libraries are an important foundational component of our education sector," Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to better this service as it will enhance reading, writing, research and learning opportunities within libraries and help people and communities meet their online information needs."
For the 25 branches that will be receiving the upgrade in the southeast, they currently have internet speeds of 10-25 megabits per second (Mbps). After the upgrades, they will have speeds at a minimum of 50 Mbps.
The communities getting the upgrade are:
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Sedley
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Wawota
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Whitewood
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Milestone
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Montmartre
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Qu'Appelle
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Bengough
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Lake Alma
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Vibank
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Windthorst
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Bienfait
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Ogema
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Pangman
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Yellow Grass
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Grenfell
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Lumsden
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Manor
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Radville
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Balgonie
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Indian Head
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Regina Beach
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Carlyle
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Kipling
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Oxbow
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Redvers
The work on the upgrades started last Friday, and all of the upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the month.