SaskTel has announced plans to invest an additional 50 million dollars to bring advanced fibre optic broadband service to rural Saskatchewan.

This brings the total investment to 100 million dollars.

The additional funds will bring fibre optic broadband to 24 more rural Saskatchewan communities than previously planned by the end of 2023.

Over 30 thousand more rural residents and businesses will gain access to advanced fibre optic broadband infrastructure for the latest digital tools to connect business opportunities.

SaskTel minister Don Morgan says the major investment will help with online learning and high speed internet services.

The rural fibre initiative is designed to bring Sask Tel Infininet service to over 40 rural Saskatchewan communities by the end of the 2023.

Phase one includes communities like Balgonie, Biggar and Pilot Butte.

Phase two includes Kindersley and Rosetown and phase 3 includes Carlyle, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Indian Head, Lumsden, Moosomin, Watrous and Wynyard.

Saskatchewan’s general farm group, APAS, has pointed to the need for improved broadband service in Saskatchewan as a key priority for business and distant learning.