SaskTel to Retire 3G Network by 2027
SaskTel, a prominent telecommunications provider in Canada, has announced plans to discontinue its 3G network.In an official statement released on Febuary 10, the Saskatchewan-based company revealed that it will cease operations of its 3G wireless services on October 1, 2027. After this date, devices relying solely on the outdated technology will no longer be able to connect to SaskTel's network.
Impact on devices and Services
Customers using wireless devices that do not support voice over LTE (VoLTE) should take note: they will lose access to voice services once the shutdown occurs. If you're uncertain whether your device is VoLTE-compatible,you can visit SaskTel’s support page for assistance. VoLTE is crucial because phones lacking this capability typically revert to using the now-defunct 3G network for making calls.
this transition affects not only SaskTel but also its subsidiary brand Lüm Mobile.The company aims to shift existing customers from both networks onto its more advanced offerings—4G LTE and the newer 5G/5G+ technologies.
A Strategic move Towards Modernization
Charlene Gavel, president and CEO of SaskTel, emphasized in her announcement that repurposing their current spectrum used for 3G will enhance capacity across their upgraded networks once the shutdown is finalized. This move aligns with a broader trend among Canadian carriers as they phase out older technologies in favor of faster and more efficient options.
The Industry Shift Away from Aging Technology
SaskTel's decision follows similar actions taken by other Canadian telecom providers aiming to retire their own aging infrastructure. Rogers was one of the first companies to initiate a shutdown of its own 3G services back in early 2025.This transition led to various challenges for customers who were caught off guard by compatibility issues related primarily to VoLTE support.
A significant number of users found themselves needing upgrades despite owning devices capable of supporting VoLTE—especially those with OnePlus smartphones—which are often not sold directly through Canadian carriers.
The Certification Challenge
A key issue during these transitions has been device certification; while carriers ensure that phones sold through them are compatible with their networks' VoLTE standards, they may not extend this verification process for devices purchased elsewhere—like OnePlus models which aren’t commonly available through local retailers. However,it's crucial to note that purchasing a phone from a carrier guarantees compatibility even if you buy it from another source.
Upcoming Shutdowns Across Canada
As part of this industry-wide movement away from outdated technology,several other providers have also begun shutting down their respective networks across Manitoba as recently as December last year. Major players like Bell and Telus have announced plans for national closures set for March 1, 2027—a clear signal that change is sweeping across Canada's telecommunications landscape.
Your Next Steps: What You Should Do Now
If you're currently using a device reliant on SaskTel’s soon-to-be-retired network or any other carrier's legacy systems like Bell or Telus', it's wise now more than ever to check your phone’s capabilities regarding VoLTE support before time runs out! Upgrading sooner rather than later could save you headaches down the line when these older systems go offline entirely!
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