SASKATCHEWAN — SaskTel has announced that it will be turning down its 3G wireless network on October 1, 2027. After this date, 3G wireless devices will no longer function on SaskTel’s network. Additionally, wireless devices that are not Voice over LTE (VoLTE) compatible will lose access to voice services. SaskTel and Lüm Mobile will be transitioning existing 3G and non-VoLTE wireless customers to the 4G LTE and 5G/5G+ networks which offer faster data speeds, more advanced devices, new features, and more.
3G wireless technology is being phased out across the world and 3G devices and network equipment availability are becoming more costly to repair and difficult to source, says SaskTel. As is common across the industry with outdated technology, SaskTel’s Canadian roaming partners have already begun shutting down their respective 3G networks. SaskTel and Lüm Mobile customers actively using a 3G device could lose coverage when leaving Saskatchewan and traveling to areas where 3G is or will soon be unavailable.
SaskTel and Lüm Mobile 3G and non-VoLTE customers are encouraged to upgrade to the 4G LTE or 5G/5G+ networks over the coming months to ensure continuity of their wireless service. For more information about SaskTel’s 3G network exit and which devices will be affected, please visit www.sasktel.com/3Gshutdown.
“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,” said Charlene Gavel SaskTel President and CEO. “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 towards new and emerging technologies.”
