SaskTel extends waiving of overage charges amid coronavirus pandemic

SaskTel is extending the waiving of domestic data overage charges for business and consumer customers to May 31.

The extension applies to customers on SaskTel’s postpaid wireless plans, noSTRINGS prepaid wireless plans or its fusion internet plans from March 17 to May 31.

“Keeping the province connected throughout the COVID-19 outbreak remains SaskTel’s number one priority, and we are pleased to extend this offer,” Doug Burnett, SaskTel president and CEO, said in a statement.

“SaskTel has invested $1.4 billion in its networks over the past 5 years to enhance and expand wireless, television, internet, data, and IP-based technologies across the province and this investment has allowed us to reliably provide critical communications services to our customers.”

SaskTel also said it is continuing to provide free additional content to its residential maxTV and maxTV stream customers – over 50 channels.

Since the coronavirus pandemic was declared in mid-March, SaskTel’s said its networks have experienced an increase in wireless data traffic, fusion internet network traffic and internet data traffic. MaxTV has also seen an increase in traffic.

“Even in the face of significant increases in traffic and a shift in where our customers are working, SaskTel’s networks and systems have performed very well,” Burnett said.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

1:43 Crown employees blockade SaskTel call centre; plan to return to work Tuesday

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.