Samsung establishing regional office in Regina to support 5G rollout
Samsung Electronics Canada will be establishing a new regional office in Regina, through a partnership with SaskTel.
The office based in downtown Regina will support the deployment of 5G network capabilities across Saskatchewan.
“We are pleased to continue building our relationship with SaskTel and supporting the growth of Saskatchewan’s flourishing technology sector,” said Jeff Jo, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada.
“The opening of a Samsung office in Regina underscores our commitment to ensuring a successful, end-to-end 5G network deployment for SaskTel, and enabling the foundation for next-generation innovations such as smart cities, immersive healthcare, agri-tech solutions and next-level gaming.”
In March, the companies announced that Samsung would supply all hardware, software and expertise to deploy 5G technology in the province.
“As wireless technology continues to redefine how we live and work, our government will continue doing all we can to pave the way for future growth and success in all of Saskatchewan’s industries and sectors,” Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel said.
SaskTel said it plans to deploy a 5G network on a limited basis by the end of 2021, with further development in Regina and Saskatoon in 2022.
Samsung’s regional office will create a minimum of 10 jobs and will potentially expand as operations concerning 5G get underway.
“We’re going to need to rely on graduates who are coming out of university who have an experience in I.T and telecoms together,” said Samsung Vice President and Head of Samsung Networks Steven Wiktorski. “So, we’ll be working closely with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina to try and find those types of graduates.”
Over the next five years, SaskTel projects to invest approximately $500 million into 5G technology across the province and add around 70 positions in support of the new effort as well.
President and CEO of SaskTel, Doug Burnett, outlined the importance of the partnership moving forward.
“Samsung is also strongly aligned with SaskTel on the incredible economic and social value that 5G can provide to Saskatchewan’s industry, agriculture, and as well our rural areas,” he said.
The optimism was quite widespread, even reaching John Lee, the President and CEO of Economic Development Regina.
“For us, its music to our ears,” he said regarding the announcement. “Economic development is all about jobs. From what we understand, they’re hiring an initial small group of staff, but it has real potential to grow once they become more involved in our community and their work with SaskTel.”
Lee also believes the partnership will act as a beacon for other companies to think about moving to Regina and aid the city’s aspirations to become a hub for agri-tech in the coming years.
“So as a community you’re starting to attract IT related companies and what follows is that you then attract more,” he said. “Announcements like this help with investment attraction but they also help a city like Regina when we’re trying to brand ourself as a city that’s a great place to set up shop.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.