U1101 - Telecommunications

Operational Details
In 1919, SaskTel's predecessor, the Provincial Department of Telephones, operated the first unattended telephone office in North America. It was also the first to provide dial services to its customers. What became SaskTel continued to upgrade its services in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1957 SaskTel completed its portion of the first trans-Canada microwave-radio relay system. In the 1960s direct distance dialing was introduced and 7,000 rural customers, who were previously without telephone service were now included in the network. By 1984, SaskTel completed what was then the world’s longest fiber-optic network, linking over 100 communities in the province.

Rural multi-party lines were upgraded in the 1980s to private line service and a province-wide relay service for hearing impaired persons was also introduced. In the early 1990s rural telephone service was completed. Microlink, an advanced digital communications service was introduced. This allows customers to transmit data at a high speed, using existing telephone lines. Being a leader in fibre optics has allowed Saskatchewan’s telecommunications expertise to be marketed internationally.

Stentor, another telecommunications operation, is an alliance of Canada’s nine major telephone companies. Stentor pools its resources to tap into collective engineering research, product development and marketing. SaskTel, BCTel, Northwest Tel are some of the members.

Telecommunication operations in the province are fully integrated and there are many activities, functions, and branches of service involved. Maintaining and developing their resources is an integral part of the business. Telephone and telecommunication inspection and repair workers test, maintain, and install telephones, switching equipment, analog, and digital trunking systems, circuits and equipment in telecommunication and telephone centres. Researchers seek out new products and services, invent, or create new systems to remain competitive. Inspectors and quality control analysts ensure efficiency and marketing personnel are responsible for sales. Administrators and corporate personnel set direction and control of the business affairs.

SIC Codes
000000868 - Telecommunications