5G in Moose Jaw means more than just faster data speeds

SaskTel is starting to install its 5G network across the City of Moose Jaw.

External Communications Manager Greg Jacobs says right now, coverage is limited to the southwest portion of the city. He notes there are a dozen sites in Moose Jaw that need to be upgraded to 5G technology. The plan is to have most of the city covered by the end of March.

Jacobs explains what is meant by the term 5G.

"5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology. The network that most of the people will be accessing today in Moose Jaw is our 4G network or fourth generation. Really what's exciting about 5G is what this next generation will enable. Right off the top we're expecting to be able to deliver significantly faster data speeds to customers, meaning that you'll be able to have a more seamless experience if you're streaming a 4K or high-definition video on your phone or if you're sharing content from your phone or from other mobile devices that would connect to the wireless network."

SaskTel’s 5G network can reach speeds of up to 1.2 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

Jacobs notes the upgrade will mean more than just faster data speeds.

"Some of the really exciting things will come as the technology evolves because then speeds become significantly faster as it evolves but then some of the other aspects of the network will allow for some really exciting innovations. You could see smart cars, self-driving cars, become more of a reality, just because of the real-time connections that 5G can provide. Then the mass adoption or wider adoption of other smart technologies and IO Technologies that use sensors and other smart technology to connect things that aren't connected today."

He says local businesses will also benefit from the upgrade.

"Really what we're doing is we're creating the foundation that new innovations in smart technologies and IoT solutions that will be built upon which can help enhance a businesses opportunity to produce revenue or evolve their operations and then from a homeowners perspective you can start integrating new smart technologies into everyday aspects of your household, that makes life a little easier. We're talking about things like smart doorbells, thermostats, things like that, that will become easier to adopt with the proper foundation, the proper network in place."

To access the 5G network, SaskTel customers need to have a 5G-enabled phone, be located within an area with 5G coverage, and have a 5G capable wireless plan.

Jacobs says over the next few years, SaskTel is expecting to invest around half a billion dollars to upgrade its entire wireless network to 5G.