CommunityNet high-speed Internet connections are leading to improved services in distance learning, telehealth and e-commerce in towns and cities throughout Saskatchewan. Schools, health facilities, libraries and government offices in all 366 communities are now connected to the network. In fact, the project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget.

And, it's not just the public sector that is benefiting from the network. Thanks to CommunityNet, SaskTel has been able to expand its commercial high-speed service to individuals and businesses in 237 communities. That is enabling small businesses to develop e-business options that are not impacted by distances and location. SaskTel will continue to reassess its high-speed Internet service strategy for small communities, and will provide the service where feasible.

Saskatchewan becomes one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the world to develop such a comprehensive high-speed network. That means that people living in rural Saskatchewan towns and villages actually have better Internet access than many people living in mega cities like New York and Los Angeles!

It was only through a co-operative effort between provincial agencies and the federal government that it was possible to build the advanced technology infrastructure needs of rural Saskatchewan. That need would not have been addressed by the private sector. By doing so, CommunityNet fulfills the goal of bridging the digital divide and providing high-speed Internet access to rural communities.