• Over 1000 km of fibre linking Regina to Prince Albert, via Saskatoon
• 61 underserved communities will receive 10 Gbps-capable fibre infrastructure
• Managed two large river crossings across the South Saskatchewan River
• Permitted 27 individual railway crossings and 75 environmental clearances
• Zero injuries were reported throughout the entire project
• Entire project on schedule to be designed and permitted in a 3.5-year timeline
• Project scheduled to be completed in 2022

The Connect to Innovate (CTI) and Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications (CRTC) Broadband Fund programs are government-led initiatives to assist in bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities. FlexNetworks was awarded more than $26 million in funding from the Government of Canada as part of these programs.

Their fibre route runs from downtown Prince Albert to Saskatoon to Regina, via 61 underserved communities throughout rural Saskatchewan. This state-of-the-art fibre-optic cable network will deliver 10 Gbps of reliable high-speed internet service to meet the needs of small businesses, communities, and families in rural and remote areas.

Primary is providing design and permitting services for over 1000 km of fibre-optic cable network, which includes some unique challenges: two large river crossings across the South Saskatchewan River, 27 railway crossings, and 75 individual environmental clearances.
Despite the challenges faced, the project is on schedule to be fully designed and permitted in only 3.5 years.

FlexNetworks’ Executive Vice President Jacques Taillefer noted the significance of the announcement. “This investment will make a massive difference in closing the broadband gap in the province. It will give more residents, students, business owners and government entities the ability to take part in the knowledge economy of the 21st century with reliable high-speed internet. The Connect to Innovate and the CRTC Broadband Programs have the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians and businesses, and FlexNetworks is excited to play a part in this transformation.”