NEW EMERGENCY 911 RATES ANNOUNCED

The province has approved new rates for 911 services to be charged on the monthly telephone bill.

"With these new rates, I am confident that the 911 system will be sustainable over the next five years, and in addition, that we will be able to make some needed improvements," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew Thomson said.

As a result of the recent CRTC decision, which directs new rates for the infrastructure portion of the 911 system operated by SaskTel, the fees have been harmonized so that there is a single rate of 59 cents per month for all phone numbers. This is a reduction of 41 cents per month for residential numbers. Both residential and business customers will now pay the same amount of 59 cents per month. These rates are expected to be in place until 2008.

The new rates also include a charge on cell phones for the first time. SaskTel Mobility will be charging the standard 49 cents per month. This charge is a result of a CRTC directive that 11 cents per month be charged on the infrastructure portion of 911. In addition, the charge for the operating portion of 911 will be the same for cell phones as for landlines at 38 cents per month. All wireless operators will be required to remit a total of 49 cents for 911, but they also may charge a higher amount if they wish.

These new rates are being implemented over the next several weeks so that the necessary system changes can be made and as billing cycles occur.

"With the recent expansion of 911 service to the east-central region of the province, I am pleased that about 97 per cent of Saskatchewan residents have access to 911 service. Expansion to additional northern communities and to Lloydminster will be completed during 2003," Thomson said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306)787-5883 Email: bderby@cps.gov.sk.ca

Michelle Englot SaskTel Regina Phone: (306)777-4476 Email: michelle.englot@sasktel.sk.ca