Latest news with #SaskTel
CTV News
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival wraps up with over 30,000 attendees in Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Jazz Festival has wrapped up in Saskatoon, and organizers are happy to report that the 2025 festival has been a huge success. 'It's gone great, we're so excited. We've had just an absolutely fantastic couldn't ask for more. The sun is shining, music's going, crowd's flowing in, it's great,' said Shannon Josdal, executive director of the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. While the exact total of attendees will take some time to count, Josdal says this year's festival has exceeded 30,000 people, already surpassing last year's total. 'It's really special, especially because we beat that number with our free programming. What that signifies to me is that we're connecting with the community on that level, providing outreach and service, and filling a niche in the community that's wanted and desired, both in terms of audience participation and as a platform for local artists here in Saskatoon,' Josdal said. Both local and international artists drew in a massive crowd throughout the week. Josdal says the success of the festival is thanks to a very dedicated community. 'It's one thing that I learned when I joined the organization is how many people care, like more than you would ever expect about this event, especially our volunteers,' Josdal said. The event relies on hundreds of volunteers, many of whom have been with the festival for years. 'There are so many volunteers who take time off work and are basically here full-time, just to help us and enjoy the experience. That means so much to me,' Josdal said. Thanks to the 2025 turnout, Josdal says the team is particularly excited for next year's Jazz Festival.
CTV News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sask JazzFest returns to Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Jazz Festival has returned to Saskatoon, and organizers are excited to share their hard work with the public. 'We're on day four, so our first two days, we call them breakout programing. We were all over the city of Saskatoon and then we just opened Victoria Park site yesterday on July 5th,' Shannon Josdal, the Executive Director of SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival said. The 'Strictly Jazz Series' has been showcasing several artists throughout the week. While the series isn't necessarily the main event, it is still quite special to many. The Victoria Park events also have free admission for the first four days, for anyone to stop by and enjoy prior to the ticketed program which kicks off on Wednesday. 'Folks can really look forward to a really diverse and exciting group of artists,' Josdale said. A little rain didn't stop people from gathering for some of the free programming in the park on Sunday. 'Folks are really enjoying the community feel. They love coming down to the park ... I'm biased, but I believe that the Saskatoon Co-op Beer Gardens is the best beer selection in Saskatoon. We have so many great, local craft brewers featured there,' Josdale said. Many festivals took a hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival was no exception. While the effects of the pandemic have eased up, there are still challenges when it comes to organizing events like the Jazz Festival. 'We were starting to feel that things were turning the corner in 2024, and we had our biggest ticketed show ever in 2024, really had a good year. Then with all of the economic uncertainty and tariff talk, it really threw the industry right back. So, it's two steps forward, one step back,' Josdale explained. However, the executive director is optimistic that the community support will keep Jazzfest alive and thriving in Saskatchewan for many years to come. 'We've had a lot of challenges and we continue to face them. But we do feel very loved and supported by the community right now,' Josdale added. 'So, we're just going to keep doing what we do best and working through those challenges one day at a time.'
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada expanding high-speed Internet access in Saskatchewan Français
Federal investment of up to $105 million will connect more than 6,500 homes PRINCE ALBERT, SK, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation. Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), announced up to $105 million in federal funding for three high-speed Internet projects being delivered by Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel). These projects will bring high-speed Internet access to 6,522 households in 35 rural and remote communities across central and northern Saskatchewan, including over 4,800 Indigenous households. The Government of Canada's investment is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that Canadians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet. The government remains on track to meet its goal of providing high-speed Internet to 98% of Canadian households by 2026, and 100% by 2030. With these investments, the government is helping to create new opportunities for rural and remote communities—ensuring that all Canadians, no matter where they live, can fully participate in the digital economy and benefit from everything Canada has to offer. Quotes "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. Today's announcement of up to $105 million in new funding to connect 6,522 rural households in the province is a major milestone for Saskatchewan. Investments like these create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, and keep us connected to our loved ones." – The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) "The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the federal government's investment to help expand connectivity across the province. These funds will add to the nearly $1 billion that SaskTel has invested to bring fibre-powered Internet connectivity to communities throughout Saskatchewan. These investments are strengthening our communities by delivering the high–speed Internet that families and businesses need to thrive in today's increasingly connected economy." – The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and Minister Responsible for SaskTel "We at SaskTel, Saskatchewan's homegrown communications leader, understand the incredible impact that high-quality and reliable Internet services can have on a home, business and community. 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. For SaskTel, this initiative is not just about delivering fast Internet speeds—it's about supporting local businesses, empowering students, strengthening communities and enriching the lives of our customers." – Charlene Gavel, President and CEO, SaskTel Quick facts Funding for this project was initially highlighted in June 2024. Today's announcement provides details of the 35 Saskatchewan communities that will benefit from improved Internet speeds. Canada's Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload. The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030. Today, 95.8% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014. In Saskatchewan, 84.4% of households currently have access to high-speed Internet. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $215 million in connectivity projects in Saskatchewan. Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, helping victims of violence access critical online resources and get help when they need it most. The Government of Canada works in partnership with Internet service providers (ISP) to offer discounted Internet services to eligible Canadians through the Connecting Families Initiative. SaskTel is a participating ISP. Associated links Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
SaskTel sees fifth year of dwindling income in ‘very hot' marketplace
WATCH: All seven provincial crown corporations released their financials together Monday, in a move that's drawing criticism from the opposition NDP. WATCH: All seven provincial crown corporations released their financials together Monday, in a move that's drawing criticism from the opposition NDP. SaskTel is reporting another year of diminishing income as a unique player in a competitive and closely regulated industry. The crown corporation was one of seven provincial crowns to file its annual financial report Monday. It says a combination of competition, limited market expansion and 'cord cutting' reduced net income for the fifth year in a row. 'We are well positioned where we're keeping our market share quite strong, and we do compete in a very, very hot telecommunications marketplace in our province,' said Jeff Welke, SaskTel's director of corporate affairs. Net income for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was $82.2 million, a decrease of $13.2 million from 2023-24. Net income has been on a declining trend each year dating back to $130.8 in 2021. In its annual report, the company highlights the constraints it faces as a crown corporation, which isn't seeking profits like a publicly traded company would. The report says competitor intensity — including non-traditional competitors like Starlink — industry consolidation, and disruptive technology could impact revenue and market share going forward. 'I think we all see the big players that are in here — the Bells, the Telus', the Rogers,' Welke said. 'There's all kinds of competition that way.' [Note: CTV is a division of Bell Media] SaskTel lost over three per cent of MaxTV customers last year, or 3,612 people, and nearly six per cent, or 14,108, landline customers, as cord cutting continues to affect business. Welke admitted there's a point where the company will need to look at not offering the service to save money, but for now, the company is legally obligated to provide 'basic level services.' 'We're seeing when that cutover can be made and when new technologies could happen and be good enough to make that basic service offering (to) fulfill what the regulator needs as well,' Welke said. 'That day is coming. It's not around the corner, but it's coming down the pike, eventually.' Another obstacle to increasing revenue, says Welke — the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which is the national regulator for telecommunications and broadcasting. Last year, the CRTC required large telephone companies to allow competitors to use their fibre optic networks to offer internet services, which the CRTC called 'a move aimed at increasing competition and potentially lowering prices for consumers.' In the report, SaskTel says it actively participates in CRTC proceedings to ensure SaskTel's unique position is understood, including its differences from other players within the Canadian telecom industry. Since it operates as a crown corporation, it lacks the ability to expand its consumer services beyond Saskatchewan's borders. Other telecom giants in the country have also argued against the CRTC decision, saying it limits profitability. 'We disagree with having to open up. Perhaps, our networks of competition at rates we don't set. So those are the kinds of things that happen in that environment, and it makes it yet another business challenge for us, but one we're going to take on,' Welke said. Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for crown corporations, said Saskatchewan's footprint and sparsely populated north also make it a challenge to invest money in infrastructure to provide internet in rural communities where others wouldn't. 'Things like rural fiber rollout, which frankly, wouldn't have been made if this were a private company who would just not be able to justify the long-term return on investment,' Harrison said. 'We've made that decision that it's worth doing.' With stiff competition for a limited number of customers, a changing regulatory environment and changing technology, SaskTel is facing difficulties hitting income projections. 'We're here to compete and, and we're certainly poised to do that,' Welke said.
Global News
24-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
SaskTel sees income dip for a 4th year in a row
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Saskatchewan Crown corporations have released their annual fiscal reports, and SaskTel is down over 10 million in net income from the previous year. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, net income was $82.2 million. Net income for 2023/24 was $95.4 million. The Saskatchewan NDP claims the decrease will drive up prices for consumers. Erika Ritchie, Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation critic, said this is the fourth year in a row net income is down. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'That's not a blip, that's a pattern of decline under this government's watch,' said Ritchie. Total revenue was up $16.4 million from the previous year at $1,364.9 million, however it was below target. Jeff Welke, SaskTel's Corporate Affairs Director, said this is due to competitive pressure in areas such as wireless networks, MaxTV and fixed broadband data services. Story continues below advertisement 'We are well-positioned. We're keeping our market share quite strong, and we do compete in a very, very hot telecommunications marketplace,' said Welke. At the close of the fiscal year, SaskTel's debt ratio also increased to 56.5 per cent, an increase of 50 basis points. The overall level of net debt increased primarily to fund continued investment in its fibre and 5G networks. The company invested $398.5 million in SaskTel InfiNet service in 2024/25. 'We're going up to communities, quite frankly, that none of our competitors would,' said Welke. 'I mean, Starlink is a competitive offering out there, however, fibre is the gold standard.'
