SaskTel has officially announced that its 3G wireless network will be permanently discontinued by October 2027, marking a significant shift in Saskatchewan's telecommunications landscape. This decision aligns with a global trend as older mobile technologies become obsolete and more difficult to maintain.
The End of an Era: 3G Technology Phased Out
Third-generation wireless technology, commonly known as 3G, revolutionized mobile communications when it was introduced in the early 2000s. However, SaskTel has determined that continuing to operate this legacy network is no longer sustainable. The company cited increasing challenges with equipment availability, noting that 3G network components have become "more costly to repair and difficult to source" as manufacturers focus on newer technologies.
Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO, emphasized the necessity of this transition: "We remain firmly committed to delivering high-quality and reliable communications services to the people of Saskatchewan, however as technology and customer needs evolve, it becomes necessary to turn down legacy networks."
What This Means for Customers
All wireless devices that rely exclusively on 3G technology will cease to function on SaskTel's network by the October 2027 deadline. Additionally, devices that are not Voice over LTE (VoLTE) compatible will lose access to voice services even sooner. This affects both SaskTel customers and those using Lüm Mobile, which operates on SaskTel's infrastructure.
The telecommunications company is proactively working to transition existing 3G and non-VoLTE wireless customers to more advanced 4G LTE and 5G/5G+ networks. This migration promises several benefits for consumers, including:
- Faster data speeds for streaming and browsing
- Access to more advanced devices with enhanced capabilities
- New features and improved network reliability
- Better coverage when traveling outside Saskatchewan
Broader Implications and Industry Trends
SaskTel's decision reflects a broader industry movement away from legacy networks. Canadian roaming partners have already begun shutting down their 3G networks, meaning Saskatchewan residents with 3G devices could experience coverage gaps when traveling outside the province. This global phase-out of 3G technology allows telecommunications companies to repurpose valuable spectrum for more efficient use.
"Once the 3G network is turned down, we will be able to repurpose our 3G spectrum to add capacity to our other networks and refocus resources toward new and emerging technologies," Gavel explained. This strategic reallocation of resources will enable SaskTel to enhance its 4G and 5G offerings while preparing for future technological advancements.
Preparing for the Transition
SaskTel is encouraging all customers to upgrade to 4G LTE or 5G/5G+ compatible devices in the coming months to ensure uninterrupted service. The company has established a clear timeline, giving customers approximately three years to make the necessary adjustments to their mobile technology.
This transition represents more than just a network upgrade—it signifies Saskatchewan's commitment to keeping pace with global telecommunications standards. As consumer demands evolve toward higher data speeds, better connectivity, and more sophisticated mobile applications, the shift from 3G to more advanced networks becomes increasingly essential for both personal and business communications across the province.
