Released on September 26, 2007
Students and visitors to the University of Saskatchewan, First Nations University of Canada and the SIAST Kelsey campus in Saskatoon now have expanded access to wireless Internet service thanks to the Saskatchewan! Connected initiative. Minister responsible for Information Technology Frank Quennell made the announcement today in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan! Connected initiative offers users basic Internet service via a wireless Wi-Fi based network. The first phase of the initiative was launched in July with the service being made available in select business districts of Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. The second phase involves the expansion of existing wireless networks in the post-secondary institutions of the four centres, and opening up their previously restricted wireless services to the general public.
"Expanding wireless Internet access on post-secondary campuses will provide an enhanced learning experience," Quennell said. "Students will now be able to connect wirelessly to the Internet nearly anywhere on campus, which will assist them in their studies and in maintaining social networks.
"The introduction of Saskatchewan! Connected to major business districts and the post-secondary campuses will also add to Saskatoon's reputation as one of Canada's most progressive cities - the perfect place for young people to live and build a future."
The Saskatchewan! Connected network is managed and operated by the government Information Technology Office and SaskTel. Portions of the network located in post-secondary schools will be maintained by each individual institution.
The overall capital cost of installing and acquiring the network components in the four centres was $1.3 million, with annual operating costs of $339,000. The initiative was implemented as a direct result of input received from the hundreds of Saskatchewan young people who attended this year's Saskatchewan Youth Summit in Saskatoon.
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For more information, contact:
Richard Murray
Information Technology Office
Regina
Phone: 306-536-4758
Email: rmurray@gov.sk.ca