Here is when SaskTel’s 3G network is going offline

Sask. customers still using 3G devices will need to switch, as SaskTel plans to shut down the network in 2027.

Long-standing SaskTel customers with aging devices beware, as the provincial Crown corporation has announced the date it will shut down its 3G network.

In an announcement on Tuesday, SaskTel revealed that it will be “turning down” its 3G wireless network Oct. 1, 2027. After this date, 3G wireless devices will no longer function on SaskTel’s network.

Additionally, the Crown corporation said wireless devices that are not Voice over LTE (VoLTE) compatible will lose access to voice services.

Both SaskTel and Lüm Mobile will be transitioning existing 3G and non-VoLTE wireless customers to the 4G LTE and 5G/5G+ networks.

“We remain firmly committed to delivering high-quality and reliable communications services to the people of Saskatchewan, however as technology and customer needs evolve, it becomes necessary to turn down legacy networks,” SaskTel president and CEO Charlene Gavel said in the announcement.

Gavel went on to say the “turning down” of the service’s 3G network will allow the Crown to repurpose the 3G spectrum, add capacity to other networks, and refocus resources to “new and emerging technologies.”

SaskTel noted that its roaming partners across the country will soon or are actively shutting down their respective 3G networks, meaning that 3G customers may lose coverage when leaving the province.

Finally, the Crown encouraged all affected customers to upgrade to the 4G or 5G/5G+ networks to ensure they are continually covered.