WEYBURN - The Ministry of Education is working closely with SaskTel to upgrade internet bandwidth in rural public libraries across Saskatchewan.
Over the summer, nearly 200 rural public libraries with existing CommunityNet (CNet) fibre networks will be upgraded to a minimum speed of 50 megabits per second (Mbps). These increased speeds will improve the library experience by providing faster access to online tools and research.
Currently, there are 160 public libraries outside Saskatchewan's urban centres with 10Mbps fibre CNet connections and 36 public libraries with 25Mbps.
In the Southeast Regional Library system, 25 branches will receive upgrades to their internet service. Upgrades began July 19. The following branches are currently operating on 10-25 Mbps, but by the end of July all Southeast branches will be operating at a minimum of 50Mbps.
The branches include Sedley, Ogema, Pangman, Yellow Grass, Radville, Lake Alma, Milestone, Wawota, Whitewood, Montmartre, Qu'Appelle, Bengough, Vibank, Windthorst, Bienfait, Grenfell, Lumsden, Manor, Balgonie, Indian Head, Regina Beach, Carlyle, Kipling, Oxbow and Redvers.
"Libraries are an important foundational component of our education sector," Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to better this service as it will enhance reading, writing, research and learning opportunities within libraries and help people and communities meet their online information needs."
CNet is a private network connecting all educational organizations and libraries in a single, provincial network. Through a joint effort between SaskTel and the Ministry of Education, these upgrades are being completed within the existing CNet contract. This network is safe and secure and adds access to multiple provincial and international research and education networks.
